Monday, July 10, 2006
Health officials brace for dengue, malaria outbreak
KORONADAL CITY -- Health authorities here are bracing for a possible upsurge of dengue and malaria cases in this city and in the 10 towns of South Cotabato due to the onslaught of rains and continuous flooding in the province over the last three weeks.
Dr. Edgardo Sandig, provincial health officer, said they are closely monitoring this city and four other towns, where an outbreak of the diseases was recorded last year.
"Our main concerns are the continuous flooding and the impounding of water near the communities where malaria and dengue are endemic," he said.
He cited the case of Tupi town where several malaria cases were monitored over the last three weeks.
According to records of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), some 30 dengue cases were so far reported since January this year, a major drop from the 237 cases during the same period last year.
Eight of these cases were recorded in Lake Sebu, six in Surallah, seven in this city, four in Polomolok, two each in Tampakan and Tantangan and one in Tupi.
In 2005, the province recorded the highest dengue incidence in five years with 818 positive cases, increasing by more than 60 percent from the cases in 2004.
At least 21 confirmed deaths caused by dengue were recorded in 2004 and 2005.
Jose Barroquillo, coordinator of the IPHO's dengue prevention and control program, said they are doubling their efforts in monitoring and campaigning among residents about preventive measures for the disease in a bid to lower down the number of cases.
"We cannot afford to be complacent since an upsurge of dengue cases usually happen during the rainy season, starting May until September," he said.
Barroquillo, who is also the provincial sanitary inspector, said they have earlier laid down the plans and programs to stop the spread of dengue and possibly eradicate the disease. (Allen V. Estabillo)
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(July 10, 2006 issue)
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