Dengue cases in Valenzuela steadily dip

Valenzuela City health officials yesterday confirmed dengue cases went up by over 500 percent but assured the public it has been going down steadily as tougher measures were implemented.

City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, through an executive order, yesterday created the “Valenzuela City Anti-Dengue Task Force” to ensure that the number of incidents go down even as the city government aims to make the city eventually dengue-free. The body will coordinate and collaborate with health organizations and other agencies in monitoring and controlling dengue. It will also seek the participation of offices, schools, commercial establishments and other institutions under their jurisdictions to actively support the city’s dengue prevention program.

Dr. Manuel Mapue, city epidemiologist, said the city health office is up on its toes to prevent the spread of the disease and hold down mortality. So far, no new admissions were reported this week. Only three deaths were reported within the period covered from January to July 2008.

In its latest bulletin, the Valenzuela City Epidemology and Surveillance Unit under Mapue reported that 443 cases were admitted at different reporting hospitals (three from Valenzuela City) from Jan. 1 to July 19. Mapue said this was 507 percent higher compared to figures recorded in the same period last year (73 cases only). He added that the most affected (49 percent) was the five to 14 age-group where 54 percent were males.

Mapue said that most cases were reported from Barangay Gen. T. de Leon at 24 percent. Majority of the cases came from District 2. No clustering was reported. 

Fogging operations, although discouraged by the health department, will be conducted every 10 days. Operations will continue in Barangay Malinta on Monday afternoon, said Mapue.         – Jerry Botial