Monday, August 5, 2013

Dengue cases in Siquijor 63% higher than last year, says IPHO

By Rizalie A. Calibo


SIQUIJOR, Aug 5 (PIA) -- The Integrated Provincial Health Officer (IPHO)-Siquijor reported a total of 196 dengue cases with one death for the period January 1 to July 12 this year based on the report from different disease reporting units here. 

Provincial Health Officer Redempta Cortes reported this during the Dengue Vector Surveillance Refresher’s Training at the Department of Education (DepEd) recently. 

She said the figure is 63% higher than the 79 cases in the same period of last year. Both sexes were represented with 50% female and 50% male, she said. 

Of the six municipalities, Siquijor got majority of the cases with 75 or 38% of the total number, followed by Lazi with 39 cases or 20% with one death and San Juan, 29 cases or 15%. Larena, Enrique Villanueva and Maria have 24, 15 and 14 cases, respectively. 

As such, the provincial health officer urged the local government units to intensify information campaign on dengue with emphasis on the importance of eliminating the breeding places of mosquitoes, and mobilize the community to actively participate in environmental sanitation activities such as clean up drives and establishment of Dengue Brigades in barangays. 

Cortes also asked the local health units to initiate clean-up campaigns in communities and continue or sustain disease surveillance on dengue and notify the provincial epidemiology and surveillance unit (PESU) on increase of dengue cases. 

Government hospitals are likewise advised to strictly follow dengue clinical treatment protocol and activate dengue fast lanes, and school authorities to emphasize school-based programs targeting parents and children in schools to eliminate vector breeding places at home and in schools. 

“Dengue school brigades should be sustained and supported," she said. 

Finally, the public are urged to clean all possible mosquito breeding places like flower vases, dish drains, old tires, roof gutters, used cans, and other possible breeding places where water can pool or accumulate especially during rainy season. 

Use of personal protective measures such as mosquito nets, use of insect repellent lotion and installation of window screens are highly advised. 

Water receptacles like drums and jars must be covered and most importantly, everyone must maintain the habit of cleaning up areas inside and outside homes, she said. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)

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