By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, May 20 (PIA) - A total of 335 cases of Dengue with 2 deaths were recorded for the first five months of 2022, says the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, a number which is 1575% higher compared to same period last year.
Dr. Al Wajer Himpon, Chief, Technical Division, OPHO said the data logged from January to May 12, 2022 is way higher if compared to same period last year with only 20 cases and zero death recorded.
The massive difference may be attributed to the spike of COVID19 in 2020-2021 that resulted to non-admission or refusal to be admitted in hospitals or in health centers of dengue patients that resulted further to low dengue cases report.
Ranked as top 5 municipalities with highest number of cases of Dengue are Tungawan with 89 cases; Ipil with 50; Malangas with 42; Talusan with 34 and Kabasalan with 19 cases, not to slack on data that almost all of the province’s 16 municipalities have indexed cases of Dengue.
Though Dengue is considered a year-round disease and no longer seasonal, the onset of summer rains found the condition suitable for its peak and is seen on the rise in certain areas in the region.
Himpon said, the PHO sees a trend of a steady rise of cases that sneaks an impending Dengue outbreak in the province.
“To declare an outbreak, kinahanglan naay at least duha ka munisipyo nga musulat sa opisina (there should be at least two municipalities to write the office) reporting that thแบปre have been an increasing dengue cases in their area,” he said. PHO at the moment, awaits the official letter from three municipalities.
The public is reminded once again to keep surroundings clean; empty any and all possible breeding sites; use insect repellant and protective clothing like long sleeves and pants; boost the immune system; seek early consultation.
Himpon said Dengue test kits are available for free in government facilities like in Rural Health Units (RHUs) and at the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital (ZSPH).
“4-5 days after the initial manifestation, mag dengue test na,” he said.
Himpon said, in areas where Dengue test kits are not available there are knowledgeable health professionals like nurses and midwives who can perform the tourniquet test for Dengue. Tourniquet test determines capillary fragility. It is a clinical diagnostic method to determine a patient’s’ hemorrhagic tendency and is performed by inflating a blood pressure cuff tied on the upper arm to a point midway between systolic and diastolic blood pressure for five minutes.
Dengue virus remains to have no antidote or vaccine available up to this time, it is best to follow the protocol, like habitual practice of the 4S strategy to shun or reduced the chance of falling victim to the disease.
4S is Search and destroy breeding sites; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation and Support fogging/spraying. (EDT/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)
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