|
Friday, June 09, 2006
Health to stop spread of malaria in Zambales, South Cotabato
THE health department has intensified measures to thwart a malaria epidemic in the provinces of Zambales and South Cotabato.
"We want to assure the public that we are keeping an eye on those areas and are instituting preventive and control measures with the help of local health teams so that we could bring down malaria cases in the country," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Duque said Zambales and South Cotabato are among provinces in the country that are "endemic for malaria".
A 10-year-old girl from Sitio Gala in Subic died last Sunday due to cerebral malaria, said Duque, noting the resurgence of malaria cases in the area after four persons, including the victim, were rushed to the Olongapo City Hospital.
He said symptoms of malaria include high fever, chills, muscle pains, and diarrhea. Serious cases may involve fatal complications affecting the heart, lung, kidney, and the brain. Malaria can be contracted from a parasite-carrying mosquito.
A joint study conducted by the local health office and the Center for Health Development of Luzon (CHDIII) showed that since April, there have been 27 confirmed cases of malaria in Sitio Gala in Subic while 49 cases were recorded in Tupi, South Cotabato with 21 of the cases treated as out-patients.
In its report, the Malaria Control Team in South Cotabato attributed the cases of malaria to poor environmental and housing conditions in the area.
Seven of the victims of the disease in Tupi are under observation and are confined at the Real Senator Memorial Hospital. All of the cases were positive for plasmodium vivax.
The health secretary said at the moment, monitoring and surveillance have been intensified to contain the disease. He also said national and local health officials are conducting a mass blood survey in the affected barangays to determine malaria cases.
He added that they also distributed mosquito nets and insecticide sprays and have began conducting an information and education campaign among residents where malaria cases have been recorded as well as in neighboring areas. (MSN/Sunnex)
(June 9, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
