BAGUIO CITY- Health authorities led by Department of Health (DOH-CAR) Officer-in- Charge (OIC) Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) officials said precautionary measures for dengue fever should be enforced year-round.
There is no set pattern for Dengue fever seen lately, Pangilinan said, unlike before that the change in weather predicts the decrease or increase in cases.
A four-year cycle pattern for Dengue was earlier observed.
The Cordillera region registered a 300% Dengue fever increase as there were 10,593 cases in 2015; from the 2,645 in 2014.
The provincial health offices reported the number of cases, as follows: in 2014 and 2015, respectively; Abra, 594 to 1,012, a 70% increase; Apayao, 282 to 1,080, up 283%; Baguio, 385 to 1,710, up 344%; Benguet, 545 to 2,045, up 275%; Ifugao, 213 to 772; a 262% increase; Kalinga, 352 to 2,434, up 591%; Mountain Province, 92 to 745, a 710% increase; and non-CAR, 182 to 795, up 377%.
There were 4 deaths in 2014; and 12 in 2015; 4 females and 8 males. Abra had one female and two male fatalities; Apayao with a male and female fatalities; Baguio City, a female and 2 male fatalities; Kalinga, 2 male fatalities; and non-CAR, a male and a female.
Victims are from less than a year infant, up to 61 years and above, with more males affected. There was clustering of cases in different areas in the Cordillera region, it was reported.
Positive results for viral culture isolation are confirmed cases, Pangilinan said.
Self-protection from mosquito bites, including wearing of long-sleeved shirts and long pants is recommended, Pangilinan added. Fogging in areas when warranted of outbreak; search and destroy; cleanliness campaigns in the community; proper disposal of garbage, reporting and immediate action on possible mosquito breeding places, is appropriate, she further said.
A suspected case would have symptoms of: at least two days fever with intense headache, body pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushed skin and rash, with need to consult a physician. Signs of bleeding are considered an emergency case.
The report was delivered in a Kapihan forum at the DOH regional training center, last Thursday, with City Health Officer Rowena Galpo, BGHMC Chief Emmanuel Acluba and Health Emergency Management Coordinator Dr. Larry Haya, DOH-CAR Emergency Mgmt Coordinator Clark Dizon and other concerned officials present./Julie G. Fianza
