By Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 15 (PIA) - - Dengue fever cases in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region reached 1,743 from January 1 to March 7, 2019 which is 81 percent higher as compared to the same period last year.
According to the Disease Surveillance Update of the Department of Health (DOH) 9, the total 1,743 Dengue cases were gathered from the different sentinel hospitals in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region.
DOH reported dengue cases in Zamboanga City is recorded at 719 as compared to 230 cases during same period last year, a rise of 213%. Zamboanga Del Norte recorded 499 cases as compared to 155 cases same period last year, a whooping 222% increase. The said province was pegged to have the highest percent change of dengue fever cases compared to same period of 2018. Zamboanga Sibugay recorded 175 dengue cases; Isabela City , Basilan, 99 cases; and Zamboanga Del Sur with 251.
In Zamboanga City, top ten barangays with dengue cases include Calarian/Southcom with 42 cases, followed by Tumaga, with 41; Pasonanca, 37; Tetuan/Sta Cruz, 34; Ayala, 31; San Roque , 30; Talon Talon/ Loop, 26; Baliwasan with 25 cases; Sta Maria, 25; and Mampang, with 22 dengue cases recorded.
DOH calls on everyone to become prime movers in controlling mosquito population and avoiding any possible dengue deaths in the community. The health department reminded the public to religiously practice the Enhanced 4-S campaign against dengue which is Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; secure Self-protection measures like wearing long pants, long sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent; Seek early consultation and Support, and fogging only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.
It can be recalled, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III emphasized, “the first step to prevent dengue is within our homes. It is important to remove any space or container that can hold unnecessary stagnant water which may become breeding sites of mosquitoes.”
Dengue is now considered a year-round disease. (ALT/JPA/PIA-9)