Eastern Visayas dengue cases decline in January

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 16 (PNA) -- Dengue fever cases dramatically dropped in January 2017 than a year ago, the Department of Health (DOH) regional office here reported.

Authorities diagnosed 112 dengue cases in January with no recorded death. The figure is 85 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

At least 36 percent of the total were recorded in Leyte province, the highest among the region’s six provinces.

In 2016, the mosquito-borne disease has killed 33 people and afflicted 6,322 individuals in the region. The health department expects a significant decline of cases this year, citing patterns over the past decade.

"Although, there is a decline of dengue fever incidence in the region in the early part of 2017, we should not be complacent because dengue occurs all year-round and it could increase anytime if mosquito population is high," said DOH regional information officer Ma. Elena Joy Villarosa.

Dengue, which typically causes flu-like symptoms such as body pain, headaches, and high fever, tends to be found in places where there is mass population, poor sanitation, and unsystematic water storage with an increase in the number of containers of stagnant water.

DOH emphasized that people should take interest in methods to control mosquito populations and keeping their surroundings clean.

Across the region, it was reported that children five to nine years old were commonly affected by dengue infection.

To combat the disease, DOH conducted school-based dengue campaigns and promoted the so-called 4-S: search and destroy the breeding sites of mosquitoes, seek early consultation when experiencing fever for two days already, self-protection measures like wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellants, and say "no" to indiscriminate fogging.

Also, DOH distributed mosquito nets to schools and places where dengue cases are high.

"We believe that promoting public awareness is one of the main strategies to reduce the risk of dengue transmission," Villarosa pointed out.

Local government units and health authorities have been encouraging people to clear potential mosquito breeding sites around their homes, schools, and workplaces to help restrain the spread of the virus.(PNA)

FPV/SQM/Franchette May M. Tolibas (OJT)