DENGUE CASES DOUBLE

Toril and Buhangin were recorded to have the highest number of dengue cases in Davao City as of the first quarter of the year

Dengue cases in Davao City doubled in the first quarter this year, compared to the same period last year.

From January to March this year, the City Health Office (CHO) recorded 1,681 cases in the first quarter of this year from 572 cases in the same quarter in 2018.

This year, Toril District has the

most number of cases with 240, followed by Buhangin District with 235.

Last year, Buhangin had the most number of dengue cases with 81, followed by Talomo North with 71 cases.

Meanwhile, as of April 13, there have already been 1,762 recorded cases in the city.

CHO technical division chief Doctor Julinda Acosta said on Thursday that the increasing number of cases is very alarming.

Acosta said the increase in dengue cases in the city can be attributed to the stored water from recent rains.

She said her office, together with other local government unit offices planned to conduct a citywide clean-up in all places in the city but due to preparations for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa opening on Saturday, April 27, the plan was postponed.

Despite that, Acosta said her office had been conducting information campaign in every barangay.

“Mao nang importante gyud ang role sa barangay in our campaign against dengue,” she said, citing that each barangay must have an Anti-Dengue Task Force tasked to search and destroy objects or areas that might serve as breeding areas for mosquitos.

“Our Tropical Unit (of CHO) also goes to the area, and to analyze whether there is a need to conduct misting, since fogging is no longer advisable,” Acosta said

The health officer also said that dengue cases reduction must start at home. However, she also underscored the barangay’s duty to encourage its constituents to do make effort.