The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) reported on Monday raised the alarm on dengue cases after it recorded 22 dengue cases in just one day from different areas in the region.
Dr. Nemia Asiong, Chief Resident of the SPMC Pediatric Division bared the alarming report as the influx of dengue cases in SPMC rose to 5 to 8 dengue cases a day compared to 3 to 7 cases during the same period last year. Of the reported cases, 3 to 4 severe dengue cases per day are confined in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
With the increase in dengue cases, the SPMC Pediatrics has allotted a separate ward for dengue patients to accommodate the increase in volume of admissions every day.
“Imagine, the highest number is 22 cases in a day for dengue and not only the mild ones or the usual dengue fever with warning signs but the dengue severe cases,” Asiong said.
SPMC Vice President for External Affairs Dr. Michael T. Manalaysay said that Davao region is prone to dengue and dengue-like disease because of the geographic location and climate situation. He also added that the climate change has affected the disease incidents and prevalence.
“With the climate change, mas mataas ngayon ang humidity factor, mataas ang dew factor, at tsaka ang rainfall natin nag e-increase talaga. All of these affect the incidents and prevalence of dengue because this are affected by meteorological factors or atmospheric factors,” Manalaysay said.
He also cited that a 3 to 5 days regular dengue admission without any complication can cost up to P50,000. Manalaysay encouraged Davaoeños to observe preventive measures all the time as there is no definite time pattern when will the dengue virus will infect the region again.