REPORTED cases of dengue, influenza-like illness, and other diseases have increased in the Province of Davao de Oro based on their Provincial Health Office (PHO)- Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit.
In their weekly status of notifiable diseases under category two from January to September 2023, the number of dengue cases has increased from 118 in weeks one to four, to 421 in weeks 35 to 39. All in all the number of dengue cases has already reached 1,962.
Similarly, the distribution of influenza-like illness cases has fluctuated from 225 cases in week one to four, to 180 cases in weeks 35 to 39 with a total number of 1,690 total number cases.
In the Facebook post of the Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Mawab, Davao de Oro, they conducted a dengue risk evaluation by going door to door, inspecting houses for potential breeding spots and hiding places of Aedes Aegypti or mosquitoes carrying dengue virus last October 19, 2023. They also conducted a Dengue Awareness Campaign to increase the level of awareness of their constituents.
Other diseases on the list are acute watery diarrhea with 1,353 cases and 124 cases of acute bloody diarrhea. The patients afflicted with typhoid or paratyphoid fever have also seen a slight increase in the number of cases with only two in weeks one to four, to 38 cases in weeks 35 to 39 with a total of 119.
The number of cases of acute viral hepatitis is 104, while there are 27 cases of leptospirosis, 12 cases of pertussis, and 830 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
“The PHO authorities, in collaboration with the Municipal Health Offices (MHOs), have teamed closely to prevent the diseases mentioned above in the future. They are also urging the constituents to adopt preventive measures with the goal of promoting a healthy Davao de Oro,” the Province of Davao de Oro wrote in its caption.
Meanwhile, PHO Disease Surveillance Coordinator Ma. Dizerine Mae M. Rolida told SunStar Davao in a phone interview on Tuesday afternoon, October 24, 2023 that they are constantly monitoring the number of cases of these diseases in the province and that they advise every resident of Davao de Oro to always listen to the person of higher authorities, especially in updates regarding diseases.
“Better nga maminaw gyud ta sa mga higher authorities na mas nakahibalo gani unya dili ta maminaw sa storya sa uban, mao man gyud na ang makadala ug kahadlok. Mas preferred na maminaw tas mga right persons katung naay enough na knowledge (It is better to listen to people in higher authorities that know the situation and to not listen to stories by unreliable individuals because usually, that insinuates fear in the heart of the people. It is much preferred that we listen to the right person who has enough knowledge),” Rolida said. RGP