DENGUE cases in Davao Region from January 1 to 19, 2019 increased to almost 50 percent compared to the same period in 2018.
Department of Health (DOH) Davao director doctor Annabelle Yumang said in an interview with SunStar Davao yesterday, February 8, 2019 that as of January 1 to 19 this year, dengue cases increased to 482 cases compared to the same period in 2018 which was only at 282 cases.
Yumang added that the latest data, there was no death reported.
She said one of the factors why there has been an increase in dengue cases in the current year is the recent heavy rains and flooding in the region.
However, she added that this may also be due to people being aware now about dengue that every time they get fever they immediately consult the doctor.
“Mas maayo man nang early consultation para ma monitor, mahibal-an naa siyay signs and symptoms sa dengue (It's better to seek consultation early to check the possible signs and symptoms of dengue),” she said.
She added that through this, they have observed that their information and education campaign against dengue has paid off.
Yumang said included in their information drive are the “search and destroy” which means cleaning the area which is potential breeding for mosquitoes, “self-protection” like wearing long sleeves, pants or putting up insect repellents, “Seek early consultation”, if the fever stays within 2 days, and “say yes” to fogging.
Dengue virus can be acquired from a bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito which causes fever that lasts two to seven days, joint and muscle pain, weakness, skin rashes, nose bleeding (when fever starts to subside), abdominal pain, vomiting of coffee-colored matter, dark colored stool and difficulty of breathing.