DOH Declares Malaria Epidemic in Camarines Norte

Legazpi City (23 July) -- The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol has declared a malaria epidemic in Camarines Norte after 182 residents of one town in the province were stricken by the mosquito-borne disease.

Camilo Aquino, DOH Bicol Malaria Prevention and Control Program coordinator, bared Malaria cases were recorded in Jose Panganiban town, though the agency has declared an epidemic in the entire province to alert all local officials on the need to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the disease.Aquino said that the DOH team dispatched to Jose Panganiban has found out that most victims were children, elderly, and at least 20 percent were members of a tribal community.

Health officials lamented more victims barely recovered or treated totally as health workers had difficulty in administering treatment because patients would refuse to follow procedures, like the schedule of taking medicines.

Aquino explained that Malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium, usually transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The parasites multiply in the liver and infect red blood cells. Symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting. They usually appear 10 to 15 days after infection.

DOH Bicol is now closely monitoring Malaria cases in areas near the boarder of Camarines Norte and the neighboring province of Camarines Sur, specifically in the towns of Sipocot and Lupi, to prevent further spread of the disease.

It can be noted DOH and World Health Organization (WHO) have already declared the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate as Malaria-free areas, while further assessment and validation in Camarines Sur to also declare the province free from the dreaded disease. (PIA V/RNB)