ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has issued new guidelines on hospital admissions for dengue patients following a significant rise in cases across the region.
The aim is to prevent overcrowding at tertiary and district hospitals, explained Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, medical officer IV and head of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREID) unit of DOH Region 6.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness, sometimes leading to potentially lethal complications, commonly referred to as severe dengue.
Not all dengue patients require hospitalization, Natalaray clarified, adding that patients are classified as either without warning signs or with warning signs.
“It is important that parents and healthcare workers know how to recognize the warning signs of dengue,” said Natalaray.
According to the new protocol, patients showing warning signs as assessed by a doctor should be admitted to the hospital for case management.
Warning signs include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums and nose, vomiting blood, and fatigue.
Conversely, patients without these signs can be managed as outpatients or remain at home, provided they have regular follow-ups at their local Rural Health Unit (RHU).
For those not exhibiting severe symptoms, Natalaray advised ensuring adequate fluid intake as prescribed by doctors and monitoring for any changes, such as the need to urinate every six hours.
She warned parents against feeding children with dengue dark-colored food, as it complicates the diagnosis of potential internal bleeding.
With no specific treatment for dengue at the moment, healthcare providers focus on supportive management, primarily fluid management, to prevent dehydration.
Natalaray also confirmed the establishment of “dengue fast lanes” in hospitals to expedite the treatment of patients and reduce waiting times.
Recent data from the DOH-6’s Regional Epidemiologic Surveillance Unit (RESU) reveals a consistent surge in dengue cases.
As of August 3, 2024, there were 10,188 reported cases, a 114 percent increase compared to the same period last year, with 1,743 new cases.
The current cases have resulted in 20 deaths, marking a 0.2 percent case fatality rate.
Here’s a breakdown of the dengue cases and fatalities across the region:
* Aklan – 1,319 cases, 1 death
* Antique – 637 cases, 1 death
* Capiz – 1,083 cases, 3 deaths
* Guimaras – 809 cases, 1 death
* Iloilo – 3,914 cases, 6 deaths
* Negros Occidental – 1,584 cases, 6 deaths
* Bacolod City – 360 cases, 1 death
* Iloilo City – 482 cases, 1 death/PN
