DOH: Dengue cases surpass last year's figures

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 32,193 dengue cases nationwide with 195 deaths from January to June 2 this year, surpassing the 30,989 cases during the same period last year.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona disclosed this yesterday during the observance of the 2nd ASEAN Dengue Day in San Fernando, Pampanga with a call for everyone to be vigilant against the mosquito-borne disease. June 15 was declared ASEAN Dengue Day during the 10th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting held in Singapore on July 22, 2010.

Dengue summits were held simultaneously yesterday in ASEAN nations. 

Ona noted that dengue remains a problem not only in the Philippines but also in ASEAN countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The DOH said that in Central Luzon, the number of dengue cases has reached 5,552 or seven percent higher than last year, while 7,650 cases were recorded in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 4,508 in Calabarzon. 

In Metro Manila, most cases were from Quezon City with 2,111; Manila, 1,420; Caloocan, 840; Parañaque, 519; and Pasig, 478.       

“Ages of cases ranged from less than one month to 90 years old. Majority of cases were males (53 percent). Forty percent of cases belonged to one to 10 years age group. There were 195 deaths,” the DOH added. With this year’s theme, “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue, Pagtibayin,” the DOH introduced “specific targeting system” in combating dengue in the communities.

Under the system, rural health units or hospitals can report suspected dengue cases to dengue coordinators, who would forward the message to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and to the barangay-based health teams.

The PIA will then conduct a text blast in the affected area about dengue prevention while barangay health teams will conduct investigation. – Ric Sapnu, Sheila Crisostomo