DOH reports 4% increase of dengue cases in Region 12

By Danilo E. Doguiles

Wednesday 6th of June 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, June 5 (PIA) -- The onset of the rainy season has also brought with a slight increase of the number of dengue cases across Soccsksargen Region or Region 12, according to report from DOH 12.

Dr. Alah Baby Vingno, head of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of DOH 12, reported that as of June 2, Region 12 had already 1,137 dengue cases.

“This is four percent higher compared to (reported dengue cases of the) same period last year,” Vingno said.

On Week 22 of 2011, a total of 1,095 dengue cases were reported.

Vingno also reported that dengue had already caused eight deaths, mostly children, from the Region. Three deaths were reported from General Santos City, two each from North Cotabato and Sarangani, and one from South Cotabato.

RESU’s Week 22 monitoring also indicated substantial increase of 86 percent in dengue cases in Cotabato City from 79 cases in the same period last year to 147 last week and 62 percent in North Cotabato from 350 in 2011 to 568 this year.

“Clustering of cases were noted in Barangays Poblacion 8, Central Katingawan, Kiwanan and Villarica in Midsayap, North Cotabato; Barangays Bagua MB, Rosary Height 1 and 10 in Cotabato City; and Barangay Zone 2 Koronadal City in South Cotabato for Morbidity Weeks 19 to 22,” the RESU report indicated.

“Cases were above Alert Threshold for Morbidity Week 14 to 16 and 18 to 20.”

Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces, however, reported double-digit in percentage decreases in the dengue cases in their areas, to wit, 32 percent, 43 percent, and 66 percent, respectively.

Jenelyn Elle Ventura, health education and promotion officer of DOH 12 said the health department as well as its partners have never relented on their anti-dengue advocacy, specifically warning communities to clean up places where dengue virus carrying mosquitoes could lay their eggs.

This is coupled with distribution of insecticide-treated nets and ovicidal-larvicidal (OL) traps.

Meanwhile, health officials in South Cotabato and General Santos City, have also intensified anti-dengue campaigns in communities and schools.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, provincial health officer of South Cotabato, has reminded the public to gear up with their anti-dengue campaigns, particularly on the implementation of the 4S strategy (search and destroy, self-protection measures, seek early consultation, and say no to indiscriminate fogging).

He also warned the public that dengue mosquitoes favor the rainy season, which should require parents to be very extra vigilant against symptoms of dengue infection and presence of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in their areas.

GenSan City Integrated Health Services Office (CIHSO) chief Dr. Edgardo Sandig along with other health officials have began visiting schools around the city for health information at education sessions, which include anti-dengue campaign. (DED-PIA 12)