Public advised against dengue, other diseases

THE DEPARTMENT of Health in the Cordillera Region has advised the public anew to be wary of dengue.

Alert is also up against Acute Viral Hepatitis, Hand Foot and Mouth Diseases (HFMD) and Leptospirosis, emerging diseases in 2017.

Nurse V Geeny Ann Austria of DOH – Cordillera Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, disclosed dengue is expected to be on the uptrend early this year with increase in the number of cases already recorded last December. RESU data shows that the 304 cases recorded last month was 184 percent higher compared to the 107 cases recorded in December 2016.

For the emerging diseases, she reported alarming increase in cases in 2017 compared to 2016 data. The 228 cases of Acute Viral Hepatitis, 275 cases of HFMD and 90 cases of Leptospirosis last year reflected 330 percent, 277 percent, and 105 percent increase respectively compared to the previous year.

Austria related dengue and the emerging diseases to climate change and the change in behaviour of animals.

To combat dengue, the DOH reiterates its health advisory to the public to practise the ABaKaDa (Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue) or community action for cleaning – up possible mosquito breeding sites.

There is a need to intensify clean – up drive so that there will be no breeding sites for mosquito, especially that the Dengue mosquito (AedesAegypti) also causes Chikunggunya and Zika Virus.

For the other emerging diseases, Austria reminds the public to be wary of street foods, ensure proper food handling and preparations as well as proper hygiene and proper health etiquette/protection especially on crowded places as virus tends to transfer from one person to another.

More importantly, maintain a healthy lifestyle, she said. PIA – CAR