Dengue cases up by 8% Jan-May 2011—DoH

MANILA, Philippines – The number of dengue cases for the first half of the year increased by eight percent compared to the same period last year, the Department of Health said in a statement Tuesday.

The DoH said that it received almost 23,000 cases of dengue from January to May and with the approaching schoolyear, has declared June as Dengue Awareness Month.

Most of the incidents reported came from the National Capital Region, with Quezon City having the highest number with 1,694 followed by Manila with 824, Caloocan with 775, Pasig 592, Valenzuela 466, and Paranaque City with 400 cases, among others.

In line with this year’s theme of “Eskwelahan, Simbahan, Barangay, Palengke at Buong Komunidad, Sama-Sama Nating Sugpuin ang Dengue,” the DoH seeks to raise awareness against dengue through its “4S Kontra Dengue” campaign.

The 4S’ stand for Search and Destroy, Seek early consultation, Self-protective measures and Say no to indiscriminate fogging, the DoH said.

Centers for Health Development have been ordered to cooperate fully with local government units for a more effective dengue awareness campaign.

Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag said that while dengue was now a yearlong disease, “cases surge during the months of June until August”, considered the rainy months in the country.

The ages of those affected by the disease range from a month to 89 years old, with most of the victims being male.

Tayag said that June 15 and every year thereafter will be observed as Asean Dengue Day with the theme “Dengue is Everybody’s Concern, Causing Socio-economic Burden, but it’s Preventable.”

Roemart Tamayo, Contributor