Bulacan gov’t tackles rising malaria cases

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy- Alvarado directed Tuesday the Provincial Public Health Office to investigate and take steps to address rising malaria cases in some mountainous villages in Norzagaray town as well as to prevent the mosquito-borne disease from spreading.

Alvarado said there were reports of malaria cases in Sitio Sapang Paco, Sitio Isla Putting Bato, Sitio Sapang Munti and Sitio Santol, all in the upland barangays of San Lorenzo and Anginan.

Alvarado instructed provincial health officer Dr. Joy Gomez to immediately give complete doses of anti-malaria drugs to affected individuals and conduct surveillance and monitoring of febrile cases through mass blood smearing and house spraying.

Alvarado also instructed the provincial government through the PPHO and the Provincial Public Affairs Office to conduct health education and provide villagers with information materials on malaria prevention and control.

Gomez said a joint investigation conducted by the PPHO, the Rural Health Physician of Norzagaray RHU-II, and a representative from Filipinas Shell-Malaria Project has confirmed that the number of malaria cases from May 28 to June increased to 34 and that the majority of affected persons came from Sitio Sapang Paco in Barangay San Lorenzo.
She also said residents in the affected villages have been provided with insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Gomez added that the PPHO is closely monitoring the malaria cases in those places.

The PPHO coordinated with Dumagat chieftain Leonardo Amang Samson and discussed the procedures on the utilization of previously distribution insecticide-treated mosquito nets, allocation of long-lasting net per family, possible training of volunteers in resettlement areas for early identification and treatment of malaria and provision and proper use of anti-malaria drugs.

Gomez said a government team will also meet with other Dumagat chieftains and the different barangay councils in Norzagaray regarding the dissemination of information materials and plans on malaria control.

The meeting will be followed by a medical visit to other affected areas where mass blood smearing tests and surveillance will be conducted.

The PPHO said malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. Its symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting. The sickness is usually detected between 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite.

If not treated on time, malaria can become life-threatening due to the disruption of blood supply to vital human organs, the PPHO added. -- FV