IPHO: Filariasis monitoring continues
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office is also monitoring the increasing cases of filariasis, a parasitic and infectious tropical disease transmitted through mosquito bites.
The IPHO has recorded 97 filariasis cases in Lambunao town since the first quarter of the year.
The disease, if not treated, could lead to complications and physical deformities and disabilities.
Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado, provincial health officer, said they are preparing for a mass vaccination especially in towns with reported cases.
On the first year of vacination in 2008, Iloilo targeted 85 percent of its 1.7 million population.
To reach the elimination level, one of the criteria is to cover at least 85 percent of the target population every year for at least five consecutive years. However, the filariasis vaccination rate of the province last year only reached 65 percent.
Last year, the Department of Health 6 discovered high filariasis cases in Valderrama, Antique. Of the 502 individuals tested, 14 turned positive for microfilaria.*MGC
