BAGUIO CITY , Philippines – A dengue epidemic has been declared in at least two barangays in two town centers in the highland Cordillera region.
The health department here placed under watch Bulanao in Tabuk, Kalinga’s capital town and Poblacion Lagawe, Ifugao’s capital town for dengue outbreaks.
This, while government physicians are anticipating also an outbreak in Kiangan town, Ifugao because of the rising cases of dengue fever.
Dr. Myrna Cabotaje of the Department of Health-CAR said because of the havoc of the dengue virus, at least seven had already died in the Cordillera region including three in Benguet, 3 in Kalinga and 1 in Abra.
The health department here explained that the fatal virus infestation is increasing because of the cold weather in the highlands and the wet season still in effect here.
In the Cordillera region, at least 833 cases had been monitored by the DOH from January to Sept. 5, a sharp increase from that of last year’s 647. – Artemio Dumlao