MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, August 16 – The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported a dramatic drop in the number of dengue cases in the province, this year.
IPHO chief Dr. Alinader Minalang said only 45 dengue cases were recorded from January to August, this year, compared to the reported 351 cases with five (5) deaths during the same period last year.
Based on the records, he said, children aged 1-10 years old were the most vulnerable to dengue cases.
Minalang explained that the records for both years were taken from the five (5) district hospitals and rural health units in the province, and the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, in the city.
But, he said the report does not include those records from hospitals in the nearby cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro where victims of the province could have possibly been taken for treatment.
We will look into the possibility of coordinating with these hospitals to be able to get the necessary data, he further explained.
The IPHO chief attributed the significant decrease in dengue cases to their massive information and education campaign against the deadly disease.
He also lauded the active participation and coordination of all stakeholders, including the local government units (LGUs), the Department of Education, and the members of the tri-media in increasing public awareness on dengue prevention and control.
Despite the decline, Minalang still reiterated for the continuous campaign to fight the dreaded-dengue disease.
He likewise advised public to stay alert, maintain proper cleanliness and sanitation and do the 4S strategy against dengue.
Meanwhile, the Aquino government is urging LGUs and the communities to get and spread out dengue traps to reduce the number of dengue-carrying mosquitoes and subsequently lower down the number of dengue cases in the country.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the dengue trap is very cheap and proven to be effective.
Developed by the Department of Science and Technology, the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal trap or the OL Trap is a simple device that helps lessen the number of dengue-carrying female mosquitoes by attracting them and killing their eggs trapped in the kit.
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