THE Pangasinan Health Office reported that suspected dengue cases caused by mosquito bites are 33 percent lower this June compared to last year, but gastroenteritis cases have increased by 42%.

Kempee Cruz, a PHO official, said from January to June 5 this year, there were only 514 dengue cases recorded in Pangasinan compared to 763 last year or 33% lower.

Cruz told the KBP Forum that seven towns, namely, Malasiqui (36 cases), Asingan (29), Binmaley and Lingayen (28 cases each), Bayambang (26), Urdaneta City (22) and Calasiao (21).

This year, PHO listed  three casualties in San Manuel, Urdaneta City and Dagupan.

Last  year, there were four deaths, one each from the towns of  Mabini, Calasiao, Urdaneta City and Dagupan City.

Meanwhile. Mila Carrera, also of DOH, also warned that gastroenteritis already registered 5,010 incidence and 19 deaths since January this year, higher than the 3,528 cases with 26 deaths last year or 42% higher.

PHO advice the public to be careful in preparing foods as this was seen as the cause of the gastroenteritis in the province as of June 5.

Most victims are ages 5 years old and below according to the Epidemiology and Surveillance unit of PHO.

The top cities and municipalities under PHO watchlist of gastroenteritis are San Carlos City, Calasiao, Malasiqui, Lingayen, Sta. Barbara, Mangaldan, Bayambang, San Fabian, Bolinao and Urdaneta City.

She advised parents to make their children develop the habit of washing their hands especially before eating. (Leonardo Micua/Tita Roces/Nora Dominguez).

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