Number of dengue cases drops in Cavite

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite — A total of four deaths out of the 898 reported cases of dengue in Cavite province was recorded in the first quarter of 2016.

The Provincial Health Office said that the number of dengue cases for the quarter was lesser compared to the same period in 2015.

The PHO nevertheless retained a province-wide dengue alert.

Health Education Promotion Officer II Annabelle R. Dilig said the figure from January 1 to March 12 this year was lower by 29 percent compared to the 1,259 recorded for same period in 2015.

Dilig said the four dengue deaths were reported in January and February.

The dengue coordinator said that of the latest 898 reported cases, 139 were in Bacoor District, 132 in General Trias City, 124 in Imus District, 48 in Trece Martires City, 45 in Tanza municipality, and 27 in Dasmarinas District alone.

“The dengue case trending was observed getting lower but we are not letting our guards down. There was no pronouncement yet that the declared outbreak had been lifted,” she said.

Governor Jonvic Remulla, following a report of the PHO, declared a dengue outbreak and placed the entire province under a state of calamity on September 21, 2015. The year ended with 12,007 cases and 48 deaths.

Meanwhile, doctors have warned residents about the spread of conjunctivitis or sore eyes, and to take the necessary precautions, especially now that the summer season is at its hottest.

Conjunctivitis causes itchy and unpleasant sensation and pain in one or both eyes. It gets worst if the eyes are rubbed excessively.

Smoke and other airborne irritants, as well as environmental factors like too much exposure to sun, lead to conjunctivitis or the pinking or reddening of the eyes.

Sore eyes can be cured by eye medicine drops, sanitation and rest.