Red alert up for dengue, water-borne diseases
LINGAYEN—A red alert has been raised by the provincial health office (PHO) with the increase on deaths due to dengue fever and the expected rise in cases of water-borne diseases following the flooding last week due to Typhoon Labuyo.
Dr. Anna Theresa De Guzman, provincial health officer, reported that 12 fatalities with dengue fever were recorded from January to August 12 this year, higher than the nine deaths in the same period last year.
De Guzman said closer investigation into these cases indicate that the patients were brought to the hospital in the late stage of the disease and patients were suffering from hemorrhagic fever.
“It became difficult for doctors to reverse or cure it,” said De Guzman adding that the same was true in the case of the two farmers who recently died of leptospirosis, a water-borne disease.
Other water-borne diseases being closely monitored are gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, diarrhea and rabies.
MEDICAL HELP
The PHO official advised the public to immediately seek medical help upon recognition of initial symptoms.
“On the first symptoms of dengue or leptos, they should immediately consult with their health officials since local health facilities have the capacity to test the presence of these viruses,” she said.
De Guzman assured that confinement in provincial hospitals for confirmed dengue fever cases are free.
All local health authorities have also been ordered to take measures to monitor suspected cases of dengue and water-borne diseases.
HIGH-RISK
Meanwhile, the PHO identified the towns at high risk with dengue and leptospirosis are: Sta. Maria, Dasul, Sual, Rosales, Sta. Barbara, Bani, San Jacinto, San Fabian, Sto. Thomas and Burgos.
These areas were recorded to have the most number of cases.
Part of the campaign to prevent dengue is regular fogging and misting operations.
Spot maps have been distributed to the barangay officials to accurately pinpoint the barangays that need fogging and misting.—Dada Martin Austria
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