JUNE IS DENGUE AWARENESS MONTH

The Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 22,903 dengue cases nationwide from January to May 7 this year as it prepares to observe June as “Dengue Awareness Month”. The total number of dengue cases is 8% higher compared to the same period last year. There were 141 deaths recorded (Case FatalityRate-0.62%).

This year’s theme, “Eskwelahan, Simbahan, Barangay, Palengke at Buong Komunidad, Sama-Sama Nating Sugpuin ang Dengue”, aims to heighten awareness of the strategy to fight dengue by adopting the 4S Kontra Dengue. The Centers for Health Development (CHDs) are directed to coordinate with their LGU counterparts to encourage them to conduct a simultaneous activity with the CHDs.

The DOH 4S Kontra Dengue strategy is  composed of Search and Destroy, Seek early consultation, Self-protective measures and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.
Most of the cases came from the National Capital Region (6,732), Central Luzon (4,181), and CALABARZON (3,555).

At the National Capital Region, Quezon City had the most (1,694) number of cases followed by Manila(824), Kalookan City (775), Pasig (592), Valenzuela (466), and Paranaque City (407).
“Dengue cases surge during the months of June until August,” Health Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag said, adding that Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes can breed even in very small receptacles like coconut husks or empty bottles.

Ages of cases ranged from less than a month to 89 years old. Majority (53%) of the cases were males. Most (39.9%) affected cases belonged to the 1-10 years age group.

Clustering of cases was observed in some parts of La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur,
Misamis Oriental, Davao City, General Santos City, South Cotabato, Kalinga, and Metro Manila.
In Metro Manila, there were clustering of cases in Kalookan, Makati, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasig, Quezon City and Valenzuela.

Meanwhile, Tayag disclosed that June 15 and every year thereafter will be observed as ASEAN Dengue Day to foster more awareness about the disease. This pronouncement was made during the 10th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting held in Singapore last 22 July 2010.The theme for
the coming ASEAN Dengue Day is “Dengue is Everybody’s Concern, Causing Socio-economic Burden, but it’s Preventable.

Tayag reminded the public that dengue, already an all-year round disease, is more common during rainy days when there are more mosquito breeding sites. To prevent dengue, he advised the public to destroy all possible mosquito breeding sites like old tires and tin cans, clean roof gutters, replace water in flower vases regularly, and to use mosquito nets or protective clothing. He also stressed that fogging may be done only in outbreak areas.

“The people, especially schoolchildren, can protect themselves from day bites by using topical insect repellents or by wearing long-sleeved shirts. Suspected cases are urged to seek treatment if there are persistently high fever, appearance of skin rashes or any signs of bleeding,” Tayag concluded. # Source – www.doh.gov.ph