Early start for dengue drive

This early, health officials in Metro Manila have already started their campaign against dengue in a bid to further drive down the number of cases in the metropolis this year.

Records showed that a total of 25,533 dengue cases—180 of which resulted in the patients’ death—were reported last year. The figure was only one percent lower compared to that of 2010, according to Dr. Eduardo Janairo, regional director for Metro Manila’s Center for Health Development.

“We will not wait for dengue cases to accumulate and increase, that’s why we are intensifying our initiatives in strategic areas in Metro Manila where there were numerous dengue cases registered last year,” he said.

The highest number of dengue cases was reported in Quezon City with 8,174. Manila came next with 4,167 cases; Caloocan, 2,904; Valenzuela, 1,561; Pasig, 1,337; Parañaque, 1,231; Malabon, 1,087; Taguig, 795; Pasay City, 780; and Muntinlupa, 752.

Most of the patients were males between one and 15 years old, Janairo noted.

The health official said routine cleanup activities in communities and integrated control and information campaigns would be launched this month to prevent the widespread transmission of the mosquito-borne disease.

“We will be coordinating with the local health officials and [giving] them the necessary manpower and logistics to be able to provide essential measures in eliminating dengue in their respective localities,” Janairo said.

At the same time, he advised Metro Manila residents to immediately report suspected dengue cases by calling any of these numbers: 0947-8138420, 0917-8247459 and 0923-1119600.