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The number of dengue cases nationwide hit 1,830 cases for the period
of January 1 to 26, reflecting an 18-percent decrease from the 2,242
cases registered during the same period last year. From the more
than a thousand dengue cases nationwide, the Department of Health
recorded 19 deaths.
“While this is a lot of cases. It is lower
compared to the same period last year,” said Dr Sheila Kitz Pita
of the Health department’s National Epidemiology Center.
Of the 19 dengue deaths, ten were reported from
Central Visayas (Region 7). That region experienced a spike in
dengue cases, accounting for 27 percent, or 490 of the cases
recorded nationwide. During the same period last year, 207 cases
were reported with four fatalities from that region.
The National Capital Region still recorded the
most number of dengue cases with 39 percent, or 709 cases and four
deaths. Most of the cases are from Manila, Kalookan City, and
Quezon City with clustering of cases seen in Kaloocan (Maypajo,
Grace Park and Dagat-Dagatan) and Manila (F. Varona and J. Luna
St.).
Clustering of dengue cases was also observed in
Cebu City (Bulacao, Cogon-Pardo, Ermit, Guadalupe, Iayawan, Talamban
and Tisa); Mandaue City (Jagobiao) and Lapu-lapu City (Basak and
Pajo).
“The decrease in cases might be attributable
to the better weather we have been experiencing,” said Pita.
“We really expect an increase in cases when it is raining.
During the dry months, there is a dip or decrease.”
However, Pita added that this is no reason for
the public to relax their vigilance against dengue. Search and
destroy operations on the breeding grounds of dengue mosquitos must
still be carried out by communities.
The Health department is also reminding persons
to seek medical treatment for themselves or their loved ones if they
suspect dengue symptoms. Among the symptoms is recurring fever,
which should be taken seriously if it occurs for four days. Rashes
are also a sign of dengue.
Hospitals nationwide have been placed on alert
and dengue express lanes have been put into place.
-- Katrice R. Jalbuena
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