In response to rising dengue cases in the metro, the Iloilo City Government, through the City Health Office (CHO), is gearing up to activate its hydration unit on the second floor of La Paz Maternity and Reproductive Health Center.
Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, Assistant City Health Officer of CHO, said the 25-bed capacity facility will specifically cater to dengue patients exhibiting no warning signs as per the Department of Health’s (DOH) guidelines, and only mainly require hydration and constant monitoring.
Dengue patients who have developed warning signs such as severe stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or blood in the nose, gums, vomit, or stools need immediate medical attention or possible hospital admission.
Fortuna further highlighted the concern on bed utilization rate in non-COVID wards in hospitals, which include admitted dengue patients, currently peaking at 76.04 percent, while COVID-19 admissions remain relatively low at 9.64 percent.
“This is alarming because our hospitals might be overwhelmed with patients,” Fortuna said.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 13 this year, the city has recorded 649 dengue cases with 42 active cases and two deaths. Data further showed that the age group with the highest number of cases is between 1 to 10 years old.
To note, the city’s hydration unit was initially activated during the 2019 dengue outbreak, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when patients could simply walk in for treatment without virus-related concerns.
Given the continued threat posed by COVID-19, Fortuna emphasized that updated protocols are being polished to address the admission process for patients requiring hydration but also warranting COVID-19 screening.
Part of the plan is to establish a designated holding area for dengue patients who need to be tested for COVID-19.
“We plan to set up a holding area. If the patient’s RT-PCR test turns positive, we will have a separate area for dengue patients who are COVID-19 positive,” said Fortuna.
Meanwhile, all district health centers across the city have designated dengue fast lanes to prioritize prompt consultation and care for symptomatic individuals. These centers are also offering free dengue tests to facilitate early detection.
The CHO reiterates the importance of the 4S Strategy (Search and destroy breeding places; Self-Protection; Seek early consultation; and Support spraying to prevent impending outbreaks of dengue).
Meanwhile, Fortuna said they will be recommending to schools to temporarily suspend the mandatory use of school uniforms, suggesting students opt for long-sleeved attire or pants as a precautionary measure against mosquito bites. (Iloilo City PIO)
