Dengue Cases in Bikol Alarm DOH

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 23  - The Department of Health (DOH) in Bikol said Thursday that dengue cases shot up by 71 percent as compared to last year's incidence, prompting health authorities to be on heightened alert.

DOH data disclosed that at least 11 people have died and 1,889 people were hospitalized in various parts of Bikol mainly due to dengue, a mosquito-borne disease.

The surge in dengue cases in Bikol for the past nine months of this year may be attributed to these three factors: climate change, urbanization and poor health and sanitation practices of the community.

The DOH epidemiology surveillance team said the current 1,889 cases shot up by 71 percent from the 1,099 cases registered last year.

Camilo Aquino, DOH dengue regional coordinator said the surge is quite disturbing but this incidence could not be a basis for declaring an "epidemic" or placing the region in a state of calamity.

He noted the deaths due to dengue were reported in Camarines Sur with six, two each in Albay and Sorsogon and one in Masbate.

He said Camarines Sur topped the list of dengue cases with 584 cases, followed by Albay with 437, Sorsogon with 275, Catanduanes with 186, Masbate 105, and Camarines Norte with 303 cases.

The DOH reiterated its call to the various district and municipal health units to intensify their respective sanitation and clean-up campaign to curb the rising incidence of the dreaded mosquito-borne disease.

The DOH likewise directed health authorities to initiate the 4S strategies: search and destroy, seek early consultation, say no to indiscriminate fogging, and self protection.

Residents are likewise advised to continue to practice the 4:00 o'clock habit that will ensure cleanliness in the surroundings. Furthermore, barangays should mobilize their dengue brigades to monitor anti-dengue drives in their respective village. (PNA)