The Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) has reminded Pangasinenses anew to be vigilant against dengue as cases in the province almost doubled from January to July 26 this year.
The latest data provided by the PHO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit on Saturday showed 2,634 dengue cases were recorded during this period, a 97-percent increase from 1,334 cases recorded in the same period last year.
However, the mortality rate is lower this year with two, as compared to last year’s 11.
The two mortalities were from Rosales and Malasiqui towns.
A high number of cases was recorded in June and July 1 to 26.
The towns and cities under PHO’s watch list are San Carlos City with 302 cases, Alaminos City with 290, Pozorrubio town with 147, Bolinao town 109, Urdaneta City 108, Bayambang 103, Lingayen town with 90, Asingan and Binmaley towns with 72 cases each.
The youngest case is a two-month-old male and the oldest is a 55-year-old female.
In a recent interview, Department of Health-Ilocos spokesperson Dr. Rheuel Bobis reminded the public to practice the 4S habits against dengue, or the search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, applying self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging or spraying in times of impending outbreaks.
“There was a notable spike in the number of dengue cases this year. This might be due to neglect of the cleanliness of surroundings as dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant waters,” he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
