Dengue cases up in Cordi; Health officials alarmed

12 deaths, 10,593 afflicted 

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY- Regional Health officials said dengue cases are alarmingly up in Cordillera and urged the public to take precautionary measures.

Dr. AmelitaPangilinan, regional Health director 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 percent rise in in dengue with10,593 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 four 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 were 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 media forum at the Dept. of Health regional training center Thursday, with City Health Officer Rowena Galpo, BGHMC Chief Emmanuel Acluba and health emergency management coordinator Dr. Larry Haya.