Dengue deaths aggravated by late checkup, says DOH

Negros Occ. (16 August) — Provincial Health Office OIC-Chief Dr. Ernell Tumimbang is looking at late referrals of patients to medical personnel as one of the major reasons for the increased deaths among dengue patients.

In an interview, he said Negros Occ. dengue cases has now reached 2,196 with 15 deaths as of July 31, 2010 compared to 606 cases in 2009 or a rise of more than 200 percent with 13 deaths recorded during the same period.

Tumimbang also cited the lack of finances on the part of parents or relatives of the patient that also delay treatment.

On the other hand, the rise in the number of dengue cases can also be due to the higher level of awareness among the people that led to a prompt and accurate recording of data to health stations.

He said those who are having fever should suspect dengue and should seek immediate medical attention in any health center to assess their actual condition.

Not all dengue patients need hospitalization as some physicians direct their patients to go home and rest, follow prescriptions and observe patient’s condition.

“Through this, we can decongest the hospitals,” he said.

Silay City has the highest number of cases with 275 and two deaths while Himamaylan City has the highest number of deaths at five with 184 cases.

The campaign for dengue awareness started as early as January this year and has become a whole-year-round activity.

Tumimbang told PIA hospitals and medical personnel in the province are capable of handling dengue cases as the disease is symptomatic.

“If you have fever you’ll be given paracetamol, if your platelet goes down to a certain level you may need blood transfusion. There is no treatment per se only supportive therapy,” he explained. (PIA-LOL)