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Saturday, June 04, 2005
Health office admits rise in dengue cases
HEALTH officials in the region said incidence of dengue cases reached "alarming proportions", citing the rising number of victims admitted in hospitals.
Emeliano "Jun" Galvan, information officer of the Department of Health (DOH) 10, said the number of dengue cases had risen to such a level that they are calling the attention of local government units (LGUs) to coordinate with their office.
DOH records showed that from January to May, at least 1,000 have been afflicted with dengue and 32 died.
"Triple gyud ang increase sa dengue karon nga tuig (The number dengue cases has tripled this year)," Galvan said.
Four of five provinces in Region 10 have been severely affected by the disease including Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, where there are 807 victims. There are 182 victims in Bukidnon province, 170 victims in Lanao del Norte and 85 victims in Camiguin province.
In Misamis Oriental the affected areas are Gingoog City with 38 cases, 36 cases in Tagoloan town, 34 cases in El Salvador town, 30 in Opol town, 23 in Villanueva town, 23 in Medina town, 14 in Balingasag, 13 in Lagonglong, 11 in Claveria town and one case in every municipality in the province.
Galvan said there are 479 cases in Cagayan de Oro with five deaths. The DOH 10 said it would inspect the barangays in the city to determine the final figures.
The DOH 10 had conducted a nationwide campaign in order to diminish the number of dengue cases and the presence of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
The regional health authorities said there are no other solutions other than cleaning up one's surroundings.
Galvan said communities should eliminate all possible breeding places for the dengue-carrying mosquitoes especially those containing water where the mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Galvan said people should replace the water on the flower vases every 4 p.m. otherwise known as the four o' clock habit.
People are also advised to plant bromeliad since the plants can absorb rainwater quickly.
One of the symptoms of dengue is continued fever. Galvan urged families to bring their children who display these symptoms to the hospitals immediately.
The Provincial Health Office launched Friday its "sumpo lamok" program in order to reduce the incidence of malaria and dengue cases. (Jenefer Besere of Sun.Star Superbalita)
(June 4, 2005 issue)
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