The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has recorded 424 dengue cases from January 1 to June 5 this year, an insignificant increase from the 419 during the same period last year. More noteworthy is the absence of fatalities just like during the first five months last year, according to PHO nurse Eugenio Carlos Paragas during a virtual forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency-Pangasinan on Tuesday. Ten cities and municipalities, meanwhile, are under monitoring due to increasing cases–the cities of San Carlos and Urdaneta and the towns of Calasiao, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Bayambang, Umingan, Sta. Barbara, Manaoag and Bugallon. ‘Most of the cases are in the five to nine years old age group. So, they could have acquired dengue either in their homes or in their schools where there are possible breeding grounds for mosquitoes,’ he said. Paragas said information dissemination emphasizes the 4S in fighting dengue-destroy mosquito-breeding Sites, Secure self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging or spraying in areas with clustered cases. Paragas said the PHO monitors dengue cases all year round, not just during the rainy season. ‘We have been preparing since January this year. We conducted training by the Department of Health regional office for the rural health units in the province,’ he said. Dr. Cielo Almoite of the Provincial Health Office for Public Health Services said the express lanes in the 14 provincial government-run hospitals accommodate dengue cases. She urged the public to seek early consultation to prevent death, especially for severe dengue cases. Meanwhile, Almoite also urged the Pangasinenses to avail of the booster shots against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) since the number of cases in the province is increasing. ‘There 143 active cases as of June 5 and of the total number, 17 are new cases and are confined in the hospitals,’ she said.

Source: Philippines News Agency