Saturday, August 04, 2007 Dengue cases in 2006 worse than in 2007: health office By Jay Dooma Balnig
WHILE Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Archbishop of Jaro Angel Lagdameo expressed alarm over the increasing number of dengue cases, the records of the City Health Office (CHO) showed that the dengue cases in 2006 were many compared to this year's number.
However, there is no reason to be reluctant, the CHO reminded.
Dr. Mae Delmo said from May to July 2006, a total of 88 cases of dengue were registered with five fatalities, much higher than the number of dengue cases at present, with only 58 cases and three fatalities from last May to July.
Last year, Barangay Calaparan in Arevalo district, had the highest number of dengue reported cases, while at present, Barangays Tacas, Veterans Village, Barrio Obrero and San Juan in Molo district topped the record.
Delmo said their office does not sit on the problem. She said that aside from conducting massive information dissemination to barangay officials regarding the mosquito-carried disease, they also conduct lectures in each household of every barangay in the city.
Meanwhile, City Councilor Erwin Plagata, chairman of the City Council committee on health, said he is still waiting for the report of the CHO on the number of dengue cases so he could take action regarding the problem.
He said if the number of cases is worth an alarm, he would propose that the City be placed under the state of calamity, so the city's five percent calamity fund could be released and be funded to affected barangays.
