More Cebu City dengue cases since Jan.

CEBU, Philippines - Dengue cases in Cebu City from January 1, 2012 to June 12, 2012 were higher by 80 percent compared to the same period last year.

Durinda Macasocol, Cebu City Health assistant city epidemiologist said during the “Bantay Dengue” campaign organized by Pinoycare Visa Center, Inc. in Barangay Mabolo said that dengue cases in the city are now 1,113 with five deaths.

Last year’s figures were only 626 cases with seven deaths for the same period.

Macasocol said Barangay Mabolo is among the top five barangays when it comes to dengue cases.

Mabolo Barangay Captain Rey Ompoc said that from June 1 to June 12 alone, his barangay already registered ten cases of dengue. All of the victims are children below 12 years old.

A fogging operation, film showing, seminar and distribution of anti-mosquito lotion for children and adults were conducted led by Pinoycare chief executive officer Prisca Mabatid to help the barangay prevent the spread of dengue.

Mabatid, a former resident of Mabolo, said she decided to hold the event after dengue patients in the said barangay asked her for financial assistance.

“Dengue is not just an ordinary disease. It is a life-threatening disease. We have to clean our surroundings. Maglikay gyud ta ma-ospital tungod sa dengue,” said Mabatid, an Outstanding Cebuano awardee in the field of entrepreneurship.

Ompoc said that they are glad that a private company like Pinoycare is giving importance on the prevention of dengue in their barangay. He added Sitio Riverside was already fumigated but this effort will continue in the coming days in the other 23 sitios in the barangay.

The Department of Health has recommended to the local government units to intensify information campaign on dengue, emphasizing the importance of eliminating the breeding places of mosquitoes and mobilize the community to actively participate in environmental sanitation activities such as conducting cleanup drives and establishing dengue brigades in barangays.

The health department likewise recommended to school authorities to emphasize programs to eliminate mosquito breeding places at home and in school.

Dengue is a disease carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that bites during daytime. The disease is characterized by headache, fever, muscle and joint pains and skin rashes. In extreme cases, bleeding of the gums and nose may occur. –(FREEMAN)