Dengue cases in Negros Oriental up by 70%

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines - Despite the heightened campaign against dengue, the Department of Health (DOH) in Negros Oriental recorded an increase of 70 percent in cases this year. Records from DOH's epidemiology surveillance unit showed there were 174 dengue cases reported from January 1 to February 26, 2008 compared to 101 cases for the same period last year. The reported cases were based on the number of dengue patients confined at the three major hospitals in Dumaguete City. There were no reports of deaths this year unlike last year's 2 cases, according to Epidemiology chief Dr. Socrates Villamor. Appeal Due to the alarming increase of dengue cases this year, Villamor urged barangay officials to lead their constituents in the fight against dengue. The epidemiology surveillance unit of the DOH also reminded residents to exercise the "Four S" against dengue. He explained that the first S is to search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites. Environmental sanitation activities, he said, such as clean-up drives are effective tools against dengue. He added that the 2nd S stands for self-protection measures. These include protective mosquito nets, insect repellent lotion, and window screens. The 3rd S, he said, is to seek early treatment and the 4th S is to say no to indiscriminate fogging. La Niña Villamor also said that continuous rain is a factor that triggers the rapid increase of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. He explained that the epidemic cycle of dengue virus occurs every three to four years. History shows that Negros Oriental experienced the highest number of dengue cases in 1998, 2001, and 2005. In 1998, DOH declared an outbreak in Negros Oriental after recording almost 2,000 dengue cases and 28 deaths. Dengue areas Villamor also revealed that of the top five dengue-prone areas in the province, Dumaguete City ranked number 1. Dumaguete City has a total of 66 cases reported from the first week of January to February 26, 2008 or an increase of 21 cases this year compared to 45 cases last year. Sibulan town, on the other hand, ranked number 2 with 34 cases. Tanjay City ranked third on the list with 11 cases. The city of Bais ranked 4th with eight cases while the towns of Valencia and Dauin tied at 5th with six cases each. - Sun.Star