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The Department of Health (DOH) today reported that there are now 3,781 dengue fever cases nationwide as of August 3. This figure shows a 72% decrease in the number of cases compared to the same period last year. There were a total of 52 deaths. "The low number of dengue cases nationwide compared to last year is an indication that local chief executives and the communities are working together to eliminate dengue", Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit said. Dayrit stressed that presently there are no hotspots or outbreaks reported in the country. However, clustering of cases was observed in some areas. There were clustering of cases in Centro, Tuguegarao City; Dalikno, Itogon in Benguet; Poblacion, Talibon in Bohol; Basak Pardo, Capitol Site, Duljo, Guadalupe, Lahug, Pardo, Pasil, Sawang-Calero, all in Cebu City; Punta, Bogo in San Remigio, Cebu; Pusok and Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City; Lawa-an, Talisay City; Magdugo, Toledo City; Maguikay, Mandaue City; Mojon, Talisay City; San Frrancisco, Camotes; Baluarte, Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental. Other areas include Balulang, Bulua, Carmen, Zone 2, Cugman, Gusa, Lapasan, Nazareth and Patag all in Cagayan de Oro City; Doña Asuncion in Sasa, San Juan in Agdao and KM #24 in Bunawan all in Davao City and Antipolo Street in Koronadal. At the National Capital Region, clustering was observed in Patria Street, Balut, Manila; Pineda in Pasig; Commonwealth, Diliman, Fairview, Holy Spirit, Payatas, Batasan Hills and Tatalon in Quezon City. Ages of cases ranged from 1 month to 90 years old. Most affected belonged to the 1-9 years age group. Majority (51%) of cases were male. The regions with the highest number of cases were Western Mindanao (765), Central Visayas (710), and National Capital Region (662) Dayrit urged mothers/caregivers to immediately bring all children to the health center or hospital if one or more of the following symptoms is noticed: sudden onset of high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pains, nausea/vomiting, and rashes. He also warned that death might follow if proper intervention is not given. The disease is transmitted by day biting mosquitoes known as Aedes aegypti and albopictus. It cannot be transmitted from person-to-person. Only a mosquito can transmit it. These mosquitoes thrive during and shortly after rainy seasons. They are usually found in clear and stagnant water like in flower vases, old tires, flowerpots, clogged roof gutter and water storage containers. "It is best to maintain a clean surrounding in order to rid ourselves of these dengue carrying-mosquitoes. Let us do our share in the campaign against dengue and help in the elimination of mosquito breeding sites", Dayrit concluded. |