Dengue outbreak declared in Sorsogon villages

MATNOG, Sorsogon - The death of a dengue patient and the hospitalization of dozens of people prompted health authorities to declare Thursday a dengue outbreak here. The lone fatality was identified as Leonida Logares, 65, of Genablan village. She died at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital Wednesday afternoon. At least five villages have been affected by the disease as local officials launched massive mosquito control to stem the spread of the disease, according to provincial health officer Dr. Edgar Garcia. Health authorities said they have confirmed 36 cases out of about 92 reported from the Tabunan, Caloocan, Gadgaron, Camcaman and Genablan villages. Residents have been told regularly clean their surroundings and health workers started information dissemination, authorities said. Mayor Guillermo So said medicines have been bought for dengue victims as he assured residents that town officials will do their best to prevent the outbreak to turn into an epidemic. - GMANews.TV