Dengue claims life of 3rd grader CPU stude
The dreaded mosquito-borne Dengue Fever claimed its latest victim in a third grader elementary student of the Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro, Iloilo City.
The only daughter of a couple residing in M.H. Del Pilar, Jaro, the third grader succumbed to Dengue Fever after three days of hospital confinement. The girl's death has reached the attention of City Mayor Jerry Treñas and the Department of Health (DOH) here.
It was not immediately clear where the young girl could have been bitten by the dreaded mosquito.
As such, an Entomology survey is set to be conducted in CPU particularly in the elementary department premises. An expert from the DOH regional office will be sent alongside a team that will determine breeding sites, if any, of the killer-mosquito.
The News Today (TNT) was told that a woman doctor from the university health and sanitation department was already alerted of the elementary student's death. A visit was reportedly made to thearea though no other details were made available.
In a phone interview, Dr. Fabian Mabasa, DOH 6 Dengue-cases coordinator told TNT verbal information has reached the department regarding the CPU case. In fact, he immediately coordinated with the Iloilo City Health Office as the first responders and university officials for proper coordination of response efforts.
"We are coming to survey the area once they make the official request," Dr. Mabasa assured while adding that validation is being made on reported cases on record with the DOH. A check will also be made on the residence of the girl in M.H. Del Pilar, Jaro as there is a possibility that she could have gotten the mosquito bite from their place.
Dr. Mabasa cautioned though on the handling of the reported cases so as not to stir panic and tension in and out of the university.
TNT learned that the City Mayor was immediately apprised of the latest city Dengue death with a complete incident report on the third grader's case expected late yesterday afternoon.
City records bare a total of 34 cases since January of this year starting off with ten cases in January, thirteen confirmed cases in February, five in March, two in April, one in May and three in June. The figure is expected to increase once the July data are fully gathered and validated.
Efforts to reach university officials for comment proved futile. TNT was told the department heads are out on a strategic planning seminar. Similar request for statement was also made with University President Dr. Juanito Acanto.