Warning out vs dengue outbreak, entry of H1N1
Warning is out against the outbreak of dengue fever in Iloilo City while similar precaution had been called by health authorities with regard to the possible entry of A(H1N1) virus which has already two confirmed cases in the country.
City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed alarm over the rising number of dengue cases in the city. The dengue cases have already reached 45 with six deaths from January to May.
Records from the City Health Office (CHO) showed that in the same period last year there were only 26 dengue cases in the city.
Most of the recorded deaths are in the waterfront barangays. For the month of April and May three had already been reported to have died of dengue fever in Veteran's Village, a barangay in the waterfront area.
The other day another death was reported in Brgy. Dungon A, Jaro district.
The increasing number of cases prompted the chief executive to ask support from the community against the dreaded dengue disease. An intensified information and education drive is called for.
The Iloilo Medical Society and Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. have initiated a forum on dengue at Veterans Village, City Proper on May 25 after several dengue cases have been reported in the area.
The CHO, City Environment and Natural Resources Office and City Engineers Office have conducted chlorination of deep wells to kill the wrigglers and control the breeding place of mosquitoes, declogging of drainage systems and clean up activities.
The CHO has also conducted barangay consultations and distributed hand-outs on dengue prevention tips to residents for them to be informed and prepared against health risks.
Treñas has also asked the 180 barangay captains especially on barangays with confirmed cases of dengue to initiate clean up to prevent the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. He stressed the importance of a clean surrounding in the drive against dengue.
He encouraged the residents to clean up their drainage and dispose containers and tires which are breeding places of the mosquitoes. The dengue carrying mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
The mayor also advised those persons who manifest dengue symptoms to immediately seek medical attention. There would be no problems if the sickness is immediately addressed. “Dengue needs attention,” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, The Department of Health-Center for Health Development 6 (DOH-CHD 6) advised parents of school children to observe the precautionary measures against Influenza A/H1N1 as it step up the advocacy the disease.
DOH-CHD 6 Regional Director Ariel Valencia said that during the second Command Conference for Influenza A/H1N1 in Manila Monday led by Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, who is the Overall Crisis Manager for the swine flu, he has been instructed to step up the advocacy as the June 1 school opening is approaching.
Valencia said that as part of the intensified campaign, they would distribute information, education and communication (IEC) materials in the schools to help the students and parents how to protect them from the A/H1N1 flu.
He also said that he is advising parents to have their children practice good hygiene and to keep themselves in good health so they would not easily get sick.
The DOH director said that he appealing to the parents not allow their children attend classes if they manifest flu-like symptoms so as not affect other children.(With report from PNA)