S. Cotabato raises alarm over dengue

KORONADAL CITY—Health authorities in South Cotabato have raised alarm over the rising number of dengue fever cases even if the mosquito-borne disease had claimed fewer lives in the province compared to other areas.

At most eight dengue cases have been reported daily since January based on records of the Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit. Eight children have died from the disease.

From January to May 25, 1,149 cases had already been reported, or 69 percent higher than the figure during the same period last year, said Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, the provincial health officer.

The situation has prompted the South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) to launch a massive information drive to destroy the breeding sites of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus.

All municipal health officers have been directed to intensify the “ABKD” campaign of the Department of Health, referring to “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue.” South Cotabato, a first-class province, has two cities and 10 municipalities.

Aturdido urged village officials across the province to lead in the eradication of mosquito breeding areas, especially with the onset of the rainy season. Dengue cases usually surge during the first weeks of the rainy season, he noted.  Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao