The number of dengue deaths in Cebu is highest in the Visayas

CEBU, Philippines – At least 35 people have died from dengue fever in Cebu since the beginning of the year, said the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management.

Cebu Province also has the highest number of dengue cases in the Visayas with 5,935, followed by Iloilo with 5,327, and Negros Occidental with 3,266, said the NDRRMC.

Although this is mainly attributed to the fact that Cebu is the most populated island, Cebu City Councilor David Tumalak called for greater vigilance on the part of local authorities.

"I'm calling on all relevant local bureaus to step up their information campaigns on dengue fever and other water-borne diseases," Tumalak told reporters Thursday (July 18th). "PAGASA has already announced the start of the rainy season and all the barangays prepared."

He also asked the city health department and the Cebu City Medical Center to stock up on drugs in advance.

Nationally, the number of deaths has already reached 202 as of July 13th.

Dengue fever is a tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Although dengue fever is manageable, the disease can have more critical effects on children and the elderly.

Severe symptoms of dengue include haemorrhagic fever that can cause bleeding, low blood platelet levels, and blood plasma leakage.

At least 19 people died in the eastern Visayas from January 1 to July 6, out of a total of 4,550 cases. (READ: At least 19 dengue deaths in Eastern Visayas)

The city of Santa Fe in Leyte has been placed in a disastrous state due to the growing number of dengue cases. 101 patients were admitted from May 15th to July 8th. – Ryan Macasero / Rappler.com