By Pacific Times
PIXABAY STOCK PHOTO
ZAMBOANGA – The City Health Office (CHO) has raised alarm over the sharp increase in dengue fever cases in the first semester of 2019, and has started anti-dengue measures to address it.
A total of 1,597 dengue cases, including 12 deaths, have been recorded since January this year, compared with 1,995 cases in the entire year of 2018.
For the month of May alone, 497 dengue cases were reported, significantly higher compared with 2018’s 131 cases.
Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, City Health Office chief, identified 10 barangays with high cases of dengue.
These were: Tugbungan, 91; Tumaga, 90; Calarian, 89; Talon-Talon, 75; Pasonanca, 71; Sta. Maria, 71; San Roque, 69; Ayala, 59; Tetuan, 59; and Baliwasan, 55.
According to the World Health Organization, on week 20 of 2019, a total of 1,292 dengue cases were reported nationwide.
As of May 18, 2019, the cumulative number of cases was 77,040, including 328 deaths, compared with 41,104 cases with 220 deaths reported during the same period in 2018.
Miravite said the number of cases had yet to reach epidemic threshold levels.
However, cooperation and prompt action of local officials and residents was needed to address the problem, she said.
A city-wide clean-up drive was held today to help control the number of dengue cases.
Miravite said barangay officials were tapped to carry out anti-dengue measures in their areas of responsibility, which include searching and destroying breeding sites, using protection against mosquito bites, and early consultation. (Rommel F. Lopez)
