DOH: Dengue cases now 491 in Cordillera towns

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera regional office of the Dept. of Health here bared fever cases in the region dropped by 19 percent first five weeks of the year compared to cases recorded same period last year.

    Victoria Malicdan, Nurse V of the DOH-CAR’s regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, said that from January 1 to February 1, 2025, there were already 491 dengue cases that were reported in the different parts of the region compared to the 605 cases reported during the same period last year.
    For this year, Benguet had the highest number of dengue fever cases with 137 followed by Baguio City with 116 cases, Apayao – 91 cases, Kalinga – 48 cases, Mountain Province – 43 cases, Ifugao – 36 cases and Abra – 20 cases.
    Last year, Benguet still recorded the highest number for dengue fever cases during the same reckoning period with 218 followed by Baguio City with 97 cases, Ifugao – 78 cases, Apayao – 72 cases, Mountain Province – 70 cases, Kalinga – 40 cases and Abra – 30 cases.

    The DOH-CAR official claimed that while dengue cases are decreasing in the region, there is also a concerning increase of cases in Apayao, Kalinga and Baguio City.
    Based on the data made available by the DOH-CAR, 34 barangays had clustering of cases that warranted the implementation of appropriate interventions from the concerned health offices in the affected areas.
    Further, 276 dengue-afflicted individuals or 56 percent of the reported cases had been admitted in the different health facilities in the various parts of the region where they were provided with the necessary medical treatment.
    Malicdan said that the health department remains committed in implementing increased awareness on the appropriate preventive measures, particularly the 4s strategy, to protect the members of the vulnerable and marginalized groups from contracting the deadly virus that might compromise their health condition.
    Moreover, she assured that there will be a coordinated response among concerned government agencies and local governments in ensuring the implementation of the necessary programs, projects and activities that will protect the people from the prevalence of the said illness. - PIO

 

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Fake bills rampant this holiday season

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong advised merchants and the public in general to be vigilant and to employ safeguards against the circulation fake bills observed to have become rampant anew with the holiday season.
    The Baguio Tourism Council reported incidents involving fake bills at the ongoing Christmas Market at the Rose Garden Burnham Park alone.
    The group said that for two nights now, merchants have been victimized by counterfeit bank notes with as much as P32,000 worth of fake bills reported on the first night.
    The mayor advised businessmen to familiarize themselves and their staff with the distinguishing marks of the fake and genuine bank notes.
    "Always check the money you are receiving. Fake and genuine bills can be identified through the embossed markings, watermarks and the picture of three people on the money. Please be guided by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) advisory," the mayor advised.
    He also warned people taking advantage of the holiday rush to spread fake money.
    Under Republic Act No. 10951, counterfeiting of Philippine money is punishable with imprisonment of at least 12 years and 1 day and fines not exceeding P2 million.
    If you got your hands on a fake bank note, immediately report it to the nearest police station for appropriate action.

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Pangasinan business folks warned against scammers posing as DTI personnel

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Dept. of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan on Monday warned the public against fraudulent individuals posing as the agency’s personnel targeting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province.
    At a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency-Pangasinan, DTI provincial director Natalia Dalaten said they have received two reports from MSMEs on Sept.16 about attempts to scam companies.

    “We have received reports that there were those going around pretending to be staff from DTI offering loans and soliciting money. Wala po kaming staff na nagso-solicit ng anumang amount para sa aming mga programa (We have no staff soliciting any amount of money for our programs),” she said.
    Dalaten said the fraudulent scheme is targeting MSMEs, offering them loans and then soliciting money from them, for a minimum amount of P5,000, as part of an advertisement or sponsorship of an event.
    “Una, they would act na kilalang-kilala nila ang businessmen at sinasabing taga-DTI sila at mag-o-offer ng loan at magso-solicit sa isang event na pwedeng ipa-sponsor (First, they would act as though they know the businessmen very well and they would present themselves as from DTI and then they would offer loans and solicit money for an alleged sponsored event),” she said.
    She noted that DTI-Pangasinan has no programs asking for sponsors and gathering advertisements.
    The DTI said it has coordinated with the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office to check the reported scheme.
    It said the two MSMEs did not fall for the scammers and instead, immediately reported the incident to authorities.
    Dalaten also asked the public to immediately alert authorities if they encounter such individuals or groups. -- PNA
 
 

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DTI: Stay vigilant against holiday scams for balikbayan box transactions

 HOLIDAY WATCH

MANILA -- The Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) reminded the public to be vigilant especially the Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) when sending their balikbayan boxes this coming holiday season as influx of shipments is expected.  
    The FTEB implements the accreditation of sea freight forwarders (SFF) as part of its mandate to protect consumers from fly-by-night or unaccredited companies and entities.   
    As of November 2023, the DTI-FTEB has issued 736 SFF accreditation of which 153 are engaged in Balikbayan box shipments.  
    From 2018 to December 2023, the DTI-FTEB received and mediated a total of 520 complaints involving undelivered Balikbayan boxes. The following should serve as tips to the public when dealing with sea freight forwarders:  
    Check the list of Foreign Freight Forwarders and their DTI-accredited Philippine counterparts/agent from the DTI website to validate information:
https://www.dti.gov.ph/consumers/accredited-seafreight-forwarders.  fairtrade@dti.gov.ph  
    Take note of the items not allowed to be sent through balikbayan boxes (e.g., currencies, checks, jewelries, firearms, ammunitions and explosives, etc.)  
    Declare all the contents of your balikbayan box per item and its corresponding value in the packing list.  
    Secure shipping documents such as official receipt, cargo receipt, invoice, Bill of Lading, shippers’ declaration or waybill.  
    Get the name and contact details of the foreign consolidator’s Philippine counterpart or agent-freight forwarder which should be accredited by the DTI.   
    Beware of exceptionally very low rates.  
    Beware of people posing as representatives of consolidators in your place. Ask for proper identification, check with the consolidators if they are an employee or authorized to represent the said companies.  
    Monitor the movement of your cargo from origin to destination.   
    Ask the consolidators on how to procure insurance for your cargoes.  
    Inform your consignee to check your cargo with the Philippine agent even before it arrives.  
DTI-FTEB Director Fhillip D. Sawali reminded the public to transact with accredited SFFs, especially during the holiday season as their legitimacy can be verified.    
    Freight fowarders and firms found to be in violation of existing policies on balikbayan boxes shall be penalized such as imposition of administrative fines, issuance of cease orders, or suspension of cancellation of accreditation pursuant to applicable DTI rules.  
     To ensure the delivery of balikbayan boxes, the DTI reminded the public to frequently visit the following sites:  
https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/accredited-seafreight-forwarders/ (list of accredited seafreight forwarders and their Foreign Agents sending Balikbayan Box) to get the contact information of Philippine agent-forwarder that should deliver the cargo.  
https://parceltracking.customs.gov.ph/kiosk.php (Bureau of Customs Parcel and Balikbayan Box Tracking System).  The BOC may be reached through BOCCares@customs.gov.ph for inquiries if the shipments are not yet cleared for delivery from BOC.      DTI also urged consumers to report any unlawful acts and/or violations in relation to sea freight forwarding services. Complainants within the National Capital Region may file a complaint supported with documents, such as official receipts, cargo receipts, shippers’ declaration, house bills of lading, or waybills with the DTI-FTEB. Consumer complaints may also be sent through  consumercare@dti.gov.ph email or by calling the consumer care hotline at 1-DTI (1-384).   
 

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BFP warns folks on faulty X’mas lights, ‘crackers

BAGUIO CITY -- The Bureau of Fire Protection – Baguio Fire Station warned the public on buying and installing Christmas lights without the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Mark and     Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Sticker from the Dept. of Trade and Industry.
    The warning came as the BFP Baguio heightened its alert status to ensure peaceful and safe yuletide celebrations.
    Senior Fire Officer I Lloyd Ashley Furigay, public information officer of BFP Baguio, said the agency is urging the public to buy only DTI-approved Christmas lights and paraphernalia despite the proliferation of unregulated online shops. 
    “Kapag walang ICC sticker or DTI accreditation, hindi tayo sigurado sa kalidad ng produkto at maaaring substandard ang mga ito na maaring maging sanhi ng sunog,” Furigay said.
    He warned the public against use and sale of firecrackers as this is prohibited in the city.
    For centralized fireworks display, Furigay said only licensed and permitted individuals or organizations are allowed to do so with safety assistance from BFP Baguio.
    BFP Baguio also urged the public on fire prevention measures such as: avoid overloading of power supply outlets; avoid burning garbage or dried leaves; disconnect electrical gadgets before leaving homes; avoid unattended cooking particularly when using wood; and, regularly check electrical wirings at home if repair is needed at least every three to five years.
    Furigay informed the public of the city’s anti-smoking ordinance as throwing lighted cigarette butts on garbage or dried grass had caused fire incidents during the first quarter of the year.
    When lighting candles for cultural or religious offerings, he said the candle must be placed in a container with water at the bottom to avoid fire incidence in case left unattended.
    He added that even vehicles should be checked to avoid overheating.
When hiking or camping with nature, Furigay said there should be no trash or garbage left behind and that bringing cooking paraphernalia is discouraged. He said even glass bottles can magnify heat and can cause grass or structural fire.
    “Fire safety starts at home, parents should teach their children on fire prevention,” Furigay said. – JMPS 
 

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BOC warns public vs parcel, love scams

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday cautioned the public against parcel or love scams amid the holiday season.
    “Be careful of calls, messages, or emails saying you have a package or parcel pending with BOC and that you need to pay thru personal bank account or money remittance for it to be released,” it said in a social media post.
    It added that scammers pretend to be either foreigners or BOC personnel.
    It reminded the public that payments of duties and taxes are required to be paid at the BOC cashier or accredited banks.
    “Payment of customs duties and taxes can only be done at the BOC cashier or through Authorized Agent Banks (AAB),” the Bureau said.
    It noted the public may also check the website of the Department of Trade and Industry to verify if the courier or forwarder is authorized.
    “In case you become a victim of this kind of fraud, check first the website if the said courier or forwarder is accredited. You may also contact BOC to verify if the receipt, tracking number, and other documents you received are genuine or fake information only,” it added.
    The public may contact the BOC via landline 8705-6000 via email at boc.cares@customs.gov.ph and http://customs.gov.ph. 
 
 

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DOH: 7,296 influenza- like cases in Cordillera

Public warned: Take precautions 

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – The Dept. of Health in the Cordillera Administrative Region Thursday reminded the public to boost their immune system due to the cold weather in this summer capital.
    Victoria Malicdan, DOH-CAR senior health program officer, also urged the public to adopt the same protective measure practiced at the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic for added health protection.
    “You have to mask up especially if you are not feeling well, especially the youth, the immunocompromised like those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, heart ailment,” she said during a press briefing here at the regional health office.
    Malicdan said that when going to crowded places, which is unavoidable, alcohol will come in handy as a protection from possible infection.
    The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit here recorded 7,296 cases of Influenza-like illness (ILI), and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) from Jan. 1 to Nov. 15 this year.
    The number is higher compared to the 4,277 cases in the same period last year.
    Apayao recorded a 644 percent increase from 41 cases to 305; Baguio City with an 87 percent increase from 1,204 to 2,256; Benguet logged a 98 percent increase from 1,363 to 2,695; Ifugao with an 82 percent increase from 307 cases to 559; and Kalinga with 56 percent increase with 643 cases to 1,003 ILI and SARI cases this year.
    On the other hand, Abra recorded a decrease from 473 cases compared to 260 cases this year, while Mountain Province also logged an 11 percent decrease from 246 cases last year to 218 cases this year.
    Overall, the region recorded a 71 percent increase, Malicdan said, noting that after an initial increase in May, the number of cases stabilized before rising again.
    Last Nov. 20, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration measured a temperature of 13.5 degrees Celsius in this city, marking the lowest temperature since the onset of the cold season this year.
    Baguio City and the rest of the CAR record a low temperature starting in November, which usually extends until the last week of February and sometimes until March of the following year. -- PNA
 

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Influenza-like illness afflicts 1,481 persons in Baguio City

By Aileen P. |Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Influenza-like illness cases in this summer capital from January to Nov. 18 rose by 139 percent as compared to last year, according to the City Health Services Office.
    CHSO City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) data said there were 1,481 cases with no death for said period this year.  
    Last year for the same period, a total of 621 cases with one death were reported.
    Of the total, 822 were females and 659 males with an age range of 0 to 102 years old.
    A total of 325 were admitted.
    The data came from the city’s government hospital, private laboratories and private hospitals.
    Barangays with highest cases were: Camp 7 – 102 cases; Loakan Proper – 79; Bakakeng Central – 78; Irisan – 71; Bakakeng Norte – 66; Dontogan – 44; BGH Compound and San Vicente – 32; Asin Road – 29; San Luis Village – 24.
    The CESU said Influenza-like illnesses exhibit symptoms of fever and cough or sore throat which may be caused by the flu virus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus disease among a few.
 

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Tourists warned against scammers: Get legit agents

By Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY-- The Dept. of Tourism Cordillera, travel and tour organizers and accommodation operators advised travelers to check legitimacy travel agents and tourism business before going to  destinations and avoid being scammed.
    DOT Cordillera Senior Tourism Officer lawyer Brenden Kim J. Quintos said legitimate travel and tour agencies and accommodations were always available.
    He said tourists should check links featured in the social media pages of the DOT showing DOT-accredited travel and tour agencies, hotels and accommodations.
    There were also city government-accredited ones here.
    Association of Travel and Tours Management in the Cordillera (ATTIC) president Enrique Esguerra said one reason why some are being scammed was they welcomed it.
    He added the only way not to be a victim of such is to be wary of DIY or do-it-yourself method of organizing travels being offered by scammers. 
    Esguerra said travelers should also be responsible enough to check credible institutions and establishments as well as travel and tour agencies.
    He said scammers fooled victims here when they asked for deposit through online payments then didn’t respond anymore 
Quintos said the DOT partnered with the Philippine National Police - Anti-Cybercrime Unit (PNP-ACU) to guard the people against the scammers
     He said victims should be in contact with  police so scammers will be traced and be made to answer.
 

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BFP - Pangasinan warns vs. fire incidents during holidays

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is discouraging the use of light materials and substandard electrical wires in Christmas decorations to prevent fire incidents.
    Consumers must check the appearance of wires, which should be thick, and the authenticity of the import commodity clearance (ICC) stickers which can be easily copied easily, advised Fire officer Rovir Solar, chief deputy fire marshal of BFP Dagupan, during a virtual forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency - Pangasinan on Tuesday.
    He also advised using just a maximum of three strings of Christmas lights per electrical outlet and to utilize decorations that use the cost-efficient and safer light emitting diode (LED) lights.
    LED lights cannot produce spark and heat and eliminate the potential risk of explosion.
    "Kapag nag-exceed ay gawa ng panibagong source para makaiwas sa overloading (If it exceeds, they should make another source to prevent overloading)," he said.
    The BFP is on red or heightened alert status during the holiday season. -- PNA
 

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Bouncy, squeaky plastic toys sold in markets contain toxic chemicals

Christmas alert 

With Christmas fast approaching and shoppers gearing up for their gift-giving, safe toy advocate BAN Toxics issued a warning to the public concerning the sale of bouncy (also known as inflatable hoppers) and squeaky plastic toys that might contain toxic chemicals. Chlorinated paraffins are widely used in various plastics, especially in children’s toys, and pose severe health risks.
    They have been linked to liver and kidney damage, disruptions in the endocrine system, potential cancer risks, developmental brain impairments, and threats to reproductive health.
    Recent market surveillance conducted by BT Patrollers revealed the sale of these risky toys in stores along Baclaran, Pasay City. The bouncy toys were priced between Php 300-350, while the squeaky plastic toys ranged from Php 60-150.
    Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), utilized as flame retardants, adhesives, sealants, and secondary plasticizers, were banned globally under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants back in 2017.
    A study published by the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) in October this year revealed alarming levels of these toxins in toys. Analysis conducted at a certified laboratory of the Institute of Food Analysis and Nutrition at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Czechia, confirmed that all plastic toys tested contained both SCCPs and MCCPs (Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins). Concentrations of SCCPs ranged from 1-60,400 mg/kg., while MCCP concentrations varied from 1-73,800 mg/kg. The highest concentrations of both SCCPs and MCCPs (48,800 and 91,700 mg/kg) were found in inflatable plastic bouncing toys.
    “The manufacture, sale, and use of these toxic chemicals in plastic toys should be prohibited in the Philippine market since it is already banned under the Stockholm Convention to prevent potential health risks to children,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.
    Calling for immediate action, Dizon added, “We urge the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to take necessary measures to eliminate the use of SCCPs and MCCPs in plastic toys, safeguarding children from harmful exposure.”
    As a signatory to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) since 2004, the Philippines is mandated to eliminate, restrict, and reduce the production, use, and trade of listed POP chemicals, which include SCCPs. This mandate also necessitates environmentally sound management of POP stockpiles and wastes.
    The lack of adequate and proper labeling exacerbates the issue, given the widespread global production of chlorinated paraffins. This highlights the critical need for transparency and traceability in plastic product materials to facilitate informed decision-making throughout the product value chain.
    “We urge our lawmakers to enact legislation prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals, especially in children’s products including toys. Transparency and traceability measures in the production of plastic toys are crucial. Banning the manufacture, sale, and use of these toxic substances is paramount to safeguarding children’s health and the environment,” BAN Toxics added. #
    Link to IPEN’s Study: https://ipen.org/sites/default/files/documents/chlorinated_paraffins_report-102023.pdf  
 

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Cybercrime Center warns public against online scams

THE Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Wednesday warned the public against various online scams.
    CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos said that cybercriminals usually take advantage of public holidays.

    “We want the public to be more vigilant against various online scam activities, especially when we are out of our homes,” Ramos said.
    The agency said connecting to an open and unsecured Wi-Fi network can put any device at risk, as hackers can use data to control the devices and steal identities and even money.
    The CICC advised the public to avoid using public Wi-Fi and use mobile networks instead.
    “People enjoy accessing these open Wi-Fi because they are free without realizing that their open and unsecured nature also makes them vulnerable to attackers,” Ramos said.
    “An attacker will intercept the communication flow between your handsets and browser and steal information, and potentially allowing your device to be hijacked,” he said.
    Fake e-wallet apps are also widespread.
    “Scammers can access your real e-wallet credentials if you download and install a fake e-wallet app. The public must download e-wallet from legitimate app stores,” Ramos said.
    The public should also be vigilant against fake customer channels that target personal information.
    “Always check the source of the channel if it’s legitimate or not,” he said.
Tech support scams
Another form of online scam is fake tech support.
    “Ignore calls from numbers you don’t know. The scammers will claim that there is a problem with your account and that they need your personal information to fix the problem. However, the scammers will simply steal your personal information and money,” Ramos said.
    Ramos also said the public should expect more phishing scam emails and text messages, which can contain links to fake websites.     Clicking the link can compromise banking, e-wallet and e-commerce accounts.
    “Never click links from unknown emails or text messages because these are phishing scams that can lead to account takeover by stealing personal information, account name and passwords. Worse, many may also include malware,” he added.
    With Christmas approaching, Filipinos were also warned to watch out for fake online shopping stores on e-commerce sites and social media with fake products.
    “If the product is too cheap, then it must be fake, or worse, it does not exist. Always check the legitimacy of the seller and never transact outside the e-commerce site,” Ramos said.
    He also warned against deceptive emails and text messages about intercepted package delivery to make people into giving personal details, money, and data by tricking them into clicking a link or attachment with malware.
    “Always verify the sender or email address. Make sure that you don’t schedule a delivery when you are not home. Never entertain messages or calls from unknown senders,” he said.
    Ramos said online scams can be reported to the Inter-Agency Response Center (I-ARC) Hotline 1326.

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6,596 Baguio students infected with influenza

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Health authorities reported around 6,596 cases of influenza in elementary pupils and high school students in this city.
    Medical Officer Roger Sinot, Jr., bared the pupils and students were infected with flu, since September up to date. 
    It was reported by Dept. of Education that infected students suffered fever,chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, headache, body aches, fatigue/tiredness and in some children, vomiting. These are some symptoms of flu.
    Dr. Sinot, Jr. said treatment to the children has been given.
    Hospital pediatric wards have also been observed to be teeming with pre-adolescents and teen-agers.

Following this, Mayor Benjamin Magalong urged parents to check on their children, keep them from school once symptoms of influenza are observed and inform their teachers.

Consultation with health authorities at the nearest health facility should also be done. 

Data was given to Health Services Officer – City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes.

 

 

 

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987 dengue cases in Baguio; City ‘war’ vs spread upped

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The “war on dengue” Denguerra) is on in this city to decrease the mosquito-borne disease and control its spread. 
    Health Services Office - City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (HSO-CESU) head Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes bared this in media forum at city hall recently, saying this year’s dengue cases was 987 compared to more than 3,000 cases for the same period last year.
    “There was decrease of 67% due to external factors such as climate change, thus the change in the 3-4 year cyclic pattern; and the rainy season.”
    Breeding places of female mosquitoes Aegis aegypti or A. albopictus female should be dried up or destroyed, Panes said. “Containers should be brushed up or cleaned as stuck-up mosquito eggs may still survive after a clean-up due to intermittent rains.” 
    A couple of mosquitoes may produce 80 to 100 eggs, and with a lifespan of 4 weeks, may cause an increase in cases.
    Panes said human blood is needed for the female mosquito to produce eggs, thus the search for warm bodies and bites at certain times of the day.     
    Some barangays are still on the list for clusters as they have three or more cases, Panes said.   
    Massive information drive should still be done, Panes said, adding there were two deaths this year due to dengue. “It should have been preventable.”    
    She said “denguerra” is on in barangays. 
 

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'Sore eyes' cases up in Abra; 600 infected

By Liza Agoot 

BANGUED, Abra – The Department of Health in this province on Thursday urged anew the public to maintain the practice of washing their hands and not holding their face as cases of conjunctivitis or “sore eyes” continue to rise.
    “We have a lot recently, the reported cases of conjunctivitis reached about 600 cases,” Dr. Lilibeth Martin, DOH-Abra provincial head said in a media interview, adding that the number excludes those who did not report their condition.
    Conjunctivitis is characterized by red, itchy eyes with increased tear production and a burning sensation that can irritate.
    Based on their monitoring, she said the cases started in the flooded villages of Sta. Rosa, Cabaluan, and San Antonio, caused by super typhoon "Egay" and the subsequent monsoon rains, which brought many people to evacuation centers.
    From the three villages, the cases spread to other barangays and municipalities, she added.
Matin urged the public to avoid touching their face because the hands carry microorganisms obtained from touching things.
    “The hand is the usual culprit when there is an infection,” she said.
    She advised the public to maintain good hygiene, seek accurate information, visit regional health units, and consult a doctor if noticing eye problems. -- PNA
 

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7 deaths, 4,207 dengue cases in Cordillera

BAGUIO CITY -- Jethro Simeon of the Cordillera Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Dept. of Health Cordillera said cases of dengue in the region have decreased to 4,207 from January to Sept. 2 this year, 64 percent lower than the 11,598 cases on the same period last year.
    From 19 deaths in 2022, seven deaths were recorded this year.
    “The decrease is attributed to the joint intensified promotion of all sectors. And the promotion of the search and destroy campaign of the department," Simeon said.
    “Local government units are immediately alerted when the DOH notices an increasing trend in cases and our LGUs also immediately act to address the situation,” he added. 

 

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Nueva Vizcaya starts 911 hotline

By Victor Martin

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Residents of Nueva Vizcaya can now access the 911 emergency hotline for urgent police, medical and fire assistance or whatever emergency they may encounter.
    Gov. Jose Gambito said the province’s access to 911 started Monday.
    The hotline’s call center, which is the first in Cagayan Valley, will be supervised by the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office.
    Gambito said the hotline would handle calls regarding police assistance, fire reports, road accidents, emergency medical assistance and search and rescue operations as well as domestic violence.    
    He said fraudulent, hoax or prank reports would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

 

 

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Ilocos Leptospirosis cases up 106 percent; 33 deaths

By Hilda Austria 

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Dept. of Health Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) has recorded 221 leptospirosis cases in the region from Jan. 1 to Sept. 16 this year, 106 percent higher than the 107 cases on the same period last year.
    In a virtual press conference hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos on Wednesday, DOH-CHD-1 medical officer Dr. Rheuel Bobis said of the total number of cases, 89 were from Pangasinan, 75 from Ilocos Sur, 19 from Ilocos Norte, and 38 from La Union.
    There were 33 deaths recorded in the region due to leptospirosis or 14.9 percent of the total cases. Of this number, 17 were from Pangasinan, eight from La Union, seven from Ilocos Sur, and one from Ilocos Norte.
    The number of deaths was also higher than the 18 recorded during the same period last year, Bobis said.
    He said the increase in cases can be attributed to the typhoons and weather disturbances that have brought rain and floods in the region, exposing the residents to contaminated waters.
    “Nagkaroon ng mas maraming bagyo at mas maraming pagbaha at kapag may pagbaha ay increased ang exposure sa pagbaha o contaminated environment kaya tumataas risk na magkaroon ng leptospirosis (There were several typhoons and floods and when there is flooding there is also an increased exposure to floodwaters or contaminated environment so the risk of getting leptospirosis has also increased),” he said.
    Eased restriction among the young people and the elderly is also a contributing factor, he added.
    The most commonly affected age group is between 15 to 19 years old and most of the victims are males who made up 90.5 percent of the total cases.
    Despite the spike in the number, Bobis said it has not yet reached the alert and epidemic threshold.
Bobis said the DOH has issued a memorandum on the guidelines on the prevention, control, management, and surveillance of leptospirosis.
    The DOH, through the memorandum, advised the public to practice preventive measures such as practicing good personal hygiene, cleaning wounds on legs and feet, avoiding wading in dirty floodwater or potentially contaminated bodies of freshwater, wearing boots or protective footwear, washing with soap and water of legs or feet after wading in flood water, and maintaining a clean home and environment.
    Regular declogging and cleaning of drainage systems or canals and proper solid waste management by avoiding the accumulation of rubbish are also encouraged.
    The DOH and the local government units are also distributing medications to prevent these diseases.
    "Pero kung hindi maiwasan, maari magsuot bota para di mag come in contact sa bacteria na nagdudulot leptospirosis (But if it is not possible to do so, then wear protective boots so that one would not came in contact with the bacteria causing leptospirosis),” Bobis said. -- PNA

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Ilocos Norte logs twelve rabies deaths

By Jun Elias

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- Twelve people died of rabies in this province since March.
Cathy Badua, provincial health office nurse and infectious diseases coordinator, said the latest fatality was a 70-year-old man, a resident of Barangay 8 San Antonio in Sarrat town.
    Badua said the victim was bitten by a dog in June, but did not get anti-rabies vaccine until two weeks ago.
    She said the other fatalities are from Pinili, Nueva Era, Banna, Sarrat, Paoay, Badoc and Laoag City.

 

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Five Baguio folks die of leptospirosis

By Jessa Mardy P. Samidan

BAGUIO CITY -- Five persons died in this city due to leptospirosis, according to the City Health Services Office (CHSO).
    A total of 45 cases were reported from January 1 to Sept. 22, 38 of whom were males and seven females.
Age ranged from one to 85 years old with a median age of 45.
    Barangay Irisan had the most number of cases with 11 cases followed by Bakakeng Central, Asin Road, Lourdes Subdivision Extension with three cases each; Cabinet Hill-Teacher's Camp, Fairview Village, Gabriela Silang with two cases apiece and Aurora Hill Proper, Gibraltar and Santo Tomas Proper with one case each.
    Alarmed by the number of cases and deaths, Mayor Benjamin Magalong reminded the public to keep their surroundings clean and ensure adherence to sanitation standards as cases of leptospirosis continue to increase.
    The health office cautioned the public that cases may continue to increase with the recent heavy rains leaving stagnant waters where leptospirosis bacteria may thrive.
    Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that affects humans and animals caused by urines from rats.
    The bacteria can pass to humans through an open wound exposed to contaminated water or soil.
    The public is advised to clean-up and ensure pest control as well as sanitation in their homes to help control the disease.
    Leptospirosis signs and symptoms include high fever, severe headache, non-specific symptoms of muscle pain, calf-muscle pain and reddish eyes in some cases. Severe cases may result in liver involvement, kidney failure, brain involvement thus, some cases may have yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine and light stools, low urine output and severe headache.

The public is advised to seek medical attention if experiencing any of the signs and symptoms.

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