Rural health centers tasked to serve as hydration units in dengue outbreak response

RURAL HEALTH Units (RHUs) in Western Visayas have been directed to serve as hydration centers for possible dengue-afflicted patients but do not exhibit such warning signs as abdominal pain and persistent vomiting. “With this, we can lessen the number of those admitted in the crowded hospitals, especially in Iloilo and hospitals can now focus on those that exhibit warning signs,” said Regional Director Marlyn W. Convocar of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development. Ms. Convocar said various agencies and institutions are also stepping in to help with the dengue outbreak response. These include the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard. “We are set to meet again this Friday because we will localize the measures of the central office in their recent cluster meeting,” Ms. Convocar said. From January to July 13, Western Visayas recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the country at 18,834 with 94 deaths. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo