AT LEAST 14 people died of dengue in Central Visayas in the first 26 days of the year, 11 of whom were from Cebu, records of the Department of Health-Region 7 (DoH-7) showed. The number of reported cases also jumped to 1,657 from 670 in the same period last year. Dr. Ronald Jarvik A. Buscato of DOH-7 attributed the increase to “behavioral problems” of residents, particularly keeping their surroundings clean and destroying mosquito breeding sites. “This is actually more of a behavioral problem. Ang ato rang gipangayo nila is manglimpyo (All we’re asking them to do is clean),” Mr. Buscato said. He added that some residents have been refusing to cooperate with the government’s efforts in performing Vector Control Methods to destroy potential mosquito breeding places. In Cebu province, a total of 1,008 cases were recorded with 11 cases resulting to death. One died in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and two in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. While no one died in Lapu-Lapu within the period, the city recorded the most number of cases with 171. Cebu City followed with 127 cases. Mr. Buscato reiterated the government’s call on the public to practice the “4S” at their homes — search and destroy breeding places, secure self-production, seek early consultation, and support fogging/spraying in their respective communities. — The Freeman

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