Apathy blamed for dengue spread in Lucena City

LUCENA City, Philippines-—At least five people have died from dengue since last month in this city and local health authorities expressed frustration at what they said was residents’ apathy toward efforts to fight the spread of the disease.

Dr. Vincent Martinez, assistant city health officer, said all of the deaths, which included that of a 3-year-old girl from Cota Village, were recorded in July and this month.

He said the number of deaths was more than the four deaths recorded for the entire year last year.

He said records showed that since January, a total of 347 dengue cases have been reported, 166 of these reported in July alone.

Among 33 villages in this city, at least 27 villages have been identified as sources of dengue, he said.

Martinez said people continued to ignore advisories on how to stop the spread of dengue or its carrier, the deadly Aedes aegypti mosquito.

“We always find that the residents often return to their old unhygienic habits,” Martinez said.

Francia Britania-Malabanan, city public information officer, said her office has been bombarding local media with advisories and reminders on how to prevent the spread of dengue.

“Half the battle against dengue is won with a clean surrounding,” she said.

Streamers, posters and billboards have been placed in strategic areas carrying information on dengue prevention, she said.