The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines issued an alarm over the rise dengue cases in Central Visayas, particularly in several areas in Cebu province, local newspaper said on Wednesday.

Suzana Madrietta, Central Visayas regional acting director of DOH, said 1,298 cases with 26 deaths had been reported from Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor as of July 26 this year.

The number rose by more than 50 percent compared to the same period last year when only 537 dengue cases with eight fatalities were reported in the region.

Madrietta said the number of dengue cases "has not yet reached an epidemic proportion," but "if the incidents continue to rise, then perhaps we may reach that level."

She added most of the reported cases came from Cebu City and Cebu province, the place that attracts tourists from around the world.

The number of dengue cases in Cebu City reached 497, followed by Mandaue City with 77 cases, Talisay City with 71 cases, Lapulapu City 51 cases and Toledo 45 cases.

Madrietta said the government has launched a campaign to teach residents in the communities how to eliminate the breeding grounds of dengue-causing mosquitoes.

Dengue is an acute, infectious tropical disease caused by an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes, and characterized by high fever, rash, headache, severe muscle and joint pain and possible death.

Source: Xinhua