BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Health in Caraga (DOH-13) is urging the public to utilize “fast lanes” in designated hospitals for dengue cases as the region experiences a surge in the mosquito-borne disease.
In a statement Monday, DOH-13 emphasized the importance of early medical consultation to prevent severe complications.
“Early medical consultation is advised, especially during the first symptoms of dengue, to avoid severe cases and complications,” the agency said.
Two DOH hospitals in the region have been designated as “fast lanes” for dengue cases, the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, and the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
From Jan. 1 to March 1, the region recorded 2,369 dengue cases, a 23-percent from the 1,921 cases reported during the same period in 2024.
Of the cases this year, 439 were confirmed dengue, 499 were probable, and 1,431 were uncertain. The case fatality rate in the region stands at 0.63 percent.
By province, Surigao del Norte reported 415 cases; Surigao del Sur, 434; Agusan del Norte, 171; Agusan del Sur, 464; and Dinagat Islands, 191.
In urban areas, Butuan City recorded 180 cases, Surigao City 193, Cabadbaran City 149, Tandag City 102, Bislig City 51 and Bayugan City 19.
The DOH-13 reiterated the importance of community efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. (PNA)