Health officials warned the public against the spread of dengue even on dry season, while also working to achieve a Malaria-free Central Visayas.

Even on dry season, the public should never be complacent about dengue, according to City Health Officer, Dr. Apollo John Bernaldez after learning that three hospitals in Tagbilaran City still have dengue patients this time.

The City Health Office team checked Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, Englewood Hospital in barangay Bool, and Tagbilaran Community Hospital late last week and learned that in each of the hospitals, there were dengue patients.

On this, Bernaldez warned the public that even on dry season, they still have to watch breeding areas of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

The awareness campaign and preventive measures should continue, according to Bernaldez.

By January this year, the City Health Office noted 57 dengue cases, almost the same number in the same period last year.

On the other hand, the Department of Health targets to make Central Visayas malaria-free by 2018, an effort that also comes with avoiding mosquito bites.

DOH officials warned that malaria is deadly that is transmitted through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquito that usually attacks at night.

They also warned the public that malaria vectors are also present “in areas where malaria has been eliminated”, aside from the malaria-endemic areas.

In fact, it is in areas where malaria has been eliminated that are more “at risk of re-introduction of the disease”.

Malaria-vector mosquitoes thrive in “tire tracks, rice fields, and irrigation water”.

Both dengue and malaria are fatal, but it can be prevented, according to health officials.

Immediate medical attention can also help prevent deaths from both dengue and malaria.

On this, the public is advised to immediately seek medical attention upon noticing the signs and symptoms like high fever. For malaria, it goes with headache and vomiting.