2,940 dengue cases in Pangasinan reported
LINGAYEN–The Provincial Health Office (PHO) admitted that suspected cases of dengue in Pangasinan, from January to September 28 this year, have already increased by more than 50 percent compared to the same period last year.
Provincial Health Officer Anna Teresa de Guzman said her office has already registered 2,940 suspected cases for the nine-month period and 12 persons, as compared to five last year, mostly children, already died.
De Guzman, however, clarified that the suspected dengue cases are those suffering from prolonged fever and have yet to be confirmed by laboratory analysis.
Ten towns in Pangasinan were placed by PHO under the dengue watch list
are Alaminos, 404; Sison, 164; Bolinao, 158; Bani, 151; San Fabian, 126; Asingan, 107; Umingan, 88; Anda, 86; and Pozorrubio, 83.
But De Guzman pointed out that there is no clustering of cases noted except in San Fabian.
The worsening situation can be gleaned from overcrowding of government hospitals with suspected dengue cases, citing the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in San Carlos City which has an approved 150-bed capacity but is now averaging 520 in patients daily.
She said the PHO has mobilized its personnel in the 10 areas in the dengue watch list to coordinate with barangay officials for a massive clean up drive and misting operations.
PHO is providing barangays with intervention and support like misting and provision of mosquito nets in schools to be hung in classroom windows to protect school kids from mosquito bites.
Meanwhile, barangay residents have been advised not to catch frogs as these provide balance to ecology by eating eggs and wrigglers of mosquitoes and not to wear short pants and sleeveless blouses to avoid mosquito bites and to apply mosquito repellant body lotion and to use mosquito nets if necessary. (Leonardo Micua/Tita Roces)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
