MANILA -- Former senator and Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) chairman Richard Gordon warned against possible outbreak of malaria and dengue in other provinces following the declaration of state of calamity in Davao del Sur on Thursday.

In Barangay Gumitan, Marilog, 98 validated cases of malaria were reported, while 15 more are under rapid diagnostic test.

Digos City, on the other hand, recorded eight cases of mortality due to dengue from January to June 2010.

"Malaria and dengue are very prevalent during the rainy seasons. But these diseases can be prevented through massive information dissemination campaign in communities,” said Gordon.

The local PRC said it will help prevent further malaria and dengue outbreak in the province through health education dissemination and management by providing blood and blood products through Red Cross blood service facilities. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)