CEBU CITY – The dreaded mosquito-borne dengue disease continues to wreak havoc here as it claimed yet another life, this time that of a threeyear-old boy, bringing total fatalities for this year as a result of dengue to 31.

The latest fatality was brought to the Cebu City Medical Center after a few days of experiencing fever, a move that was discouraged by medical experts who insist that children should be rushed to the hospital immediately upon showing signs of fever. The boy died the next day.

“The problem now is that parents won’t bring their kids unless the child’s condition becomes grave,” said Durinda Macasocol, Assistant Chief of the Cebu City Epidemiology Statistics and Surveillance Unit

Although there were already 31 dengue-related deaths recorded in Cebu City alone from January to date, this figure is still comparatively lower compared to the 43 deaths for the same period last year.

While there are less deaths during the first nine months this year, there are more dengue cases compared to the same period in 2008. Macasocol said statistics place dengue infection at two persons for every 1,000 people in Cebu City.

Barangays here reporting denguerelated fatalities are Kamputhaw and Lagangon with three each; Guadalupe, Tisa, Lorega-San Miguel, Carreta, Apas and Mambaling with two each; and Bacayan, Talamban, Basak-San Nicolas, Lahug, Luz, Punta Princesa, Inayawan, Pardo, Banilad, Day-as, Buhisan, Sudlon II and Binaliw with one each.

Cebu City health authorities are closely monitoring 10 barangays with the highest number of dengue-related deaths and the most number of dengue cases last year.

Barangay Guadalupe tops the list with 98 dengue cases and six deaths followed by Mabolo with 60 dengue cases and two deaths and Labangon with 59 dengue cases and three deaths in 2008.