A total of 185 dengue cases were recorded by the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) from the start of the year until the third week of February.

According to PHO chief Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot, there were no fatalities during the period.

Almost a third of cases of the mosquito-borne disease were recorded in Tagbilaran City, the province’s capital and most populated area, with 48 dengue incidences.

In the same PHO data, towns with the highest number of dengue cases included Loon with 15; Panglao, 14; Dauis, 10; Tubigon, 7; Maribojoc, 7; and Baclayon, 6.

Last year, 2,878 dengue cases were recorded while 20 patients succumbed to health complications due to the disease.

The number of dengue cases was slightly higher in 2015 at 2,883 but deaths were lower at 14.

In Cebu, 194 died from dengue while 19,779 were infected with the diseases in 2016.

According to Cabagnot, concerted efforts from the government and the public is needed to fight the dreaded disease as he pointed out proper sanitation in communities as chief factor in keeping mosquitoes away.

The chief health officer also reminded the public of the 4S which means search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, seek early treatment; self-protection and say no to indiscriminate fogging. (Rey Tutas)