Re: Philippines: 2012 Dengue cases
Re: Philippines: 2012 Dengue cases
Dengue cases in Siquijor on the rise
By Rizalie A. Calibo
Friday 1st of June 2012 SIQUIJOR, June 1 (PIA) -- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported an increase in the number of dengue cases in the province from January to May this year over that of the same period last year.
?A total of 28 dengue cases were reported from different Disease Reporting Units (DRUs) for the period January 1 to May 30, 2012,? said Disease surveillance officer Zellamaye Gascon, in her report submitted to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
This is 61 percent higher compared to the same period of last year with 11 cases, she said.
Age of cases range from one to 44 years old, with both sexes represented with 54 percent female and 46 percent male, the report also said.
Most of those affected were in the 11 to 15 years age group.
Gascon said majority of the cases were from the towns of Maria with 11 cases constituting 39 percent, Lazi, seven cases or 25 percent and Siquijor with four cases or 14 percent.
Larena, San Juan, and Enrique Villanueva towns have two cases each from zero-dengue cases in the same period last year.
To control the rising tide, Provincial Health Officer Redempta Cortes called on the local government units (LGUs) to intensify their information campaign on dengue emphasizing the importance of eliminating the breeding places of mosquitoes.
She also stressed the need to mobilize the community to actively participate in environmental sanitation activities such as clean-up drives and establish Dengue Brigades in Barangays.
Local health units are also encouraged to initiate clean-up campaigns in communities and continue or sustain disease surveillance on dengue and notify Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) on increase of dengue cases.
Government hospitals are advised to strictly follow dengue clinical treatment protocol and activate dengue fast lanes.
School authorities are likewise called to emphasize on school-based programs targeting parents and children in schools to eliminate vector breeding places at home and in the school and create ?Dengue School Brigades? and support its sustainability.
People are advised to clean all possible mosquito breeding places such as flower vases, dish drains, old tires, roof gutters, used cans, etc. where water can pool or accumulate, especially during rainy season. The public is also instructed to use personal protective measures such as mosquito nets, insect repellent lotion, or install window screens. Water receptacles like drums and jars must be covered and most importantly, people should maintain the habit of cleaning up areas inside and outside homes. (RMN/RAC-PIA 7, Siquijor)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1131338361080
