LINGAYEN–While the number of dengue cases in Pangasinan is continuously rising, so far at 1,214 with 10 deaths, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ma. Ana de Guzman is confident that there is still no need to declare an outbreak in any part of the province.

This was her assessment notwithstanding the fact that the number of dengue cases logged in from January to August 15 is 300 percent higher than the 439 cases with six deaths reported in the same period last year.

Appearing before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last August 15, De Guzman did not recommend that Pangasinan be declared under a state of calamity, citing the situation as not alarming enough as compared to situations in other provinces in the region.

Region 1 – composed of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan – is among the top four areas in the country currently seeing a rise in dengue cases. The other areas are the capital Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.

RED ALERT

De Guzman, however, said the PHO already placed 15 towns as “hot spots” due to the high incidence of dengue and all health personnel in Pangasinan, including those from the 14 provincial government-run hospitals, are now on red alert for dengue cases.

Records show that out of the 44 towns and four cities in Pangasinan, only the municipality of Balungao did not register any dengue case so far this year. Last year, Balungao likewise did not register any dengue case.

Dagupan City is on top of the list with 175, followed by Bolinao and Mangaldan.

The others according to number of cases are: Calasiao, San Nicolas, Mapandan, Laoac, Manaoag, Binalonan, San Fabian, Infanta, Sta. Barbara, Asingan, San Jacinto, and Pozorrubio

Data gathered indicate that those afflicted with dengue ranged from one year old to 67 years with 13 years as the median.

The most commonly affected group was the 11-15 year age group, accounting for 365 cases or 30 percent. Of the number, 53 percent or 647 cases are males.

De Guzman assured that all dengue patients will be treated free of charge, including early management medicines for the patients not yet confirmed for dengue and doctor’s professional fee, in all the 14 hospitals operated by the provincial government, provided they stay in wards and not in private rooms.

De Guzman said the surge in dengue cases could be attributed to the early onset of rains this year, which created stagnant water where dengue-carrying mosquitoes could breed.

The PHO official said some barangays are not observing the standard sanitation standards that are intended to prevent such diseases as dengue.

DAGUPAN

In Dagupan, a bloodletting activity will be held on August 25 at the People’s Astrodome in response to the high demand for blood due to the increasing number of dengue cases.

The activity will be spearheaded by the city health office in cooperation with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) and the Red Cross Pangasinan chapter.

According to the CDRRMC, the activity targets about 500 donors from city and community officials and government employees and calls for more volunteers.

Mayor Benjamin Lim expressed hope that the activity will also generate reserve blood for the needs of other municipalities affected by dengue.

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments