14 localities under dengue watch

The Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring barangays in 14 localities nationwide where several dengue cases have appeared, according to a department report.

That has prompted the department to launch a public information campaign against dengue, the first to be implemented by the DOH during the summer. Each year, the DOH launches an information campaign at the start of the rainy season, when mosquitoes are most active.

A report of the DOH’s National Epidemiology Center showed that dengue cases have been observed in various barangays in Malabon, Manila, Quezon City, Navotas, Pateros, Pasig, Parañaque, Bacoor in Cavite, Daraga in Albay, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Gingoog City, Davao City and Cotabato City.

From Jan. 1 to March 26, the DOH has recorded 4,280 cases, including 43 deaths. Metro Manila accounted for the highest number of cases (23 percent), followed by Central Visayas (17 percent), Southern Mindanao (10 percent) and Central Luzon (seven percent).

During the same period last year, a total of 4,773 cases were recorded. For the entire 2006, dengue cases reached a total of 35,000.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the anti-dengue campaign is now a year-round advocacy for the department as they observed that there are cases even during the summer for still unknown reasons.

"It is important for all of us to keep our guard up against dengue. We should always remain vigilant," he told reporters. Yesterday, Duque made a tour of Farmer’s Market and nearby Mega-Q Mart, both in Cubao, Quezon City.