DOH reports 35% drop in Davao dengue cases

THE Department of Health (DOH) in Davao Region reported on Monday a 35 percent decrease in dengue cases from January to June in 2015 as compared to the same period last year.

Record showed that dengue cases in the region dropped to 1,407 from January to June in 2015 as compared to 2,168 in the same period in 2014.

In a press conference at the Apo View Hotel Monday, DOH director Abdullah B. Dumama Jr. also said the number of deaths also dropped to four this year from nine in the same period of 2014.

In 2014, the health department recorded 8,644 dengue cases and 45 deaths in the region, of which Davao City has the highest with 5,612 cases and 33 deaths.

Next to Davao City is Davao Oriental with 1,281 cases but only one death; Compostela Valley with 729 cases and one death; Davao del Norte with 661 cases and six deaths; and Davao del Sur with 361 cases and four deaths.

Of the 8,644 cases, 4,243 of whom were females with 19 deaths and 4,401 were males with 26 deaths, Dumama said, adding that this record is already lower as compared to 2013 with 10,944 cases.

Despite the decrease, Dumama said the public should not be complacent with the result of its actions to prevent and control dengue.

"Let us continue to strengthen our actions in eradicating dengue. Make the 4 o'clock habit every day. Let us stop, look and destroy the possible spots na pamumugaran ng lamok, and listen to barangay officials' guidance on how to prevent dengue," Dumama said.

Dengue is a high-profile and ongoing public health concern in the Philippines. From January to May 2015, the country had 25,616 cases, which is 10 percent higher as compared to the same period in 2014 with 23,151.

Central DOH Undersecretary Vicente Balizario Jr. said there were 75 deaths recorded in 2015, lower than 100 deaths in 2014.

"Most of these cases came from Calabarzon, Northern Mindanao, National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Soccksargen.

Majority of the cases was males and the most affected age group is the 5 to 14 years old," Balizario said.

According to Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin, dengue can be reduced by a strategy that promotes coordinated action among multi-sectoral partners, integrated approach to vector management and sustained control measures.

Central DOH director Lyndon Lee Suy said the country allocated P350 million for dengue control, of which P5 million will go to Davao City.