Cagayan records 169 dengue cases; going up

By Vince Jacob Visaya

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) has recorded 169 cases of dengue from January to July this year.
    Program manager Nestor Santiago of PESU-Cagayan said the highest recorded cases were in April and May this year with 46 and 43 cases, respectively.
    There were 19 cases in January and six in February. Three cases were registered in March, 37 in June and 13 in July this year.
    Santiago said that cases were high in May and April due to the continuous rains experienced and the increased awareness of people in the community to consult health facilities because of the symptoms of dengue.
Santa Ana town recorded the highest number of cases during the seven-month period.
    "It is said that most of the recorded cases have been cured because the disease only lasts for three to five days when the patients catch it," Santiago said.
    The Cagayan Provincial Health Office, meanwhile, reminded the people of Cagayan Valley to make it a habit to comply with the 5-S strategy. 5-S stands for searching and destroying breeding places; securing self-protection such as using mosquito repellants; seeking early consultation when experiencing symptoms; supporting fogging or spraying to prevent an impending outbreak; and sustain hydration.

Santiago advised patients to go to the nearest hospital when symptoms of the disease such as headache, fever, muscle pain, and diarrhea manifest.

He also asked residents to protect themselves against dengue by wearing long-sleeved shirts; support fumigation when there is a threat of an outbreak; and drink at least eight glasses of water per day.