3 new dengue cases recorded in Agusan Sur

BAYUGAN, Agusan del Sur - Contrary to pronouncements by the Health department that dengue has been contained in Agusan del Sur, three new cases have been reported in this southern Philippine province. Agusan del Sur Pilot Laboratory School principal Anna Marie Sevilla Montilla told GMAnews.TV that a younger brother of a pupil in her school was said to have been sent to Davao City for dengue treatment while another one, a Kinder II pupil of Doane Faith Christian School also had dengue fever. Montilla identified the Kinder II pupil as Jessel Matatag, 6, of Bayugan West Central School. It was not known whether Matatag was sent to Butuan City or Davao City for treatment. Montilla said that as of posting time, the parents Jessel are still looking for funds to be used in the confinement of their child. Still another dengue victim is a 5-year-old kid whose parents are said to bring the patient to Cagayan de Oro City for treatment. Relatives of the dengue victims here claimed government is helpless in their plight since there is no government hospital to help them or capable to treat patients affected by dengue. “In fact, they already acted too late when the news broke out about it," said the parents of Ana Nicole Santiago, a six-month-old dengue casualty. The Municipal Health Office here reported at least three deaths caused by dengue in January 2007 alone with 18 cases reported. In an official report signed by Bayugan Mayor Magdalena Asis and Municipal Health Nurse III Helen Saligan, disease surveillance coordinator, the fatalities were identified as: Vincent Keith Jaranilla, 7 months old; Ara Nicole Santiago, 6 months old; and Daisy Mae Manyo, 2 years old. The same officials said at least two died of dengue last year, while 12 cases were recorded in November and December. - Alvin Guanzon, GMANews.TV