InterAksyon.com
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MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday raised concern over the 13.8 percent increase in the number of dengue cases nationwide from January to July 7 this year, or a total of 46,651 cases compared to 40,975 during the same period last year.
There were 294 deaths reported for this period compared to 269 in 2011.
Dr. Eric Tayag, DOH assistant secretary and spokesperson, said most of the reported dengue cases were from the National Capital Region (NCR) with 10,775 (23.1 percent) , followed by Region III-A with 7,024 ( 15.6 percent) ; Region IV-A Southern Tagalog, 6,219 (13.3 percent).
Tayag also mentioned that Zamboanga, Davao, and Bicol had increased number of dengue cases.
In NCR, the DOH reported that Quezon City had 3,412 cases; followed by Manila, 1840; Kalookan, 1257; Paranaque, 634; Valenzuela, 609;Pasig,580; Malabon,416; Taguig, 389;Pasay,315;Las Pinas, 291; Makati,248; Marikina,196; Muntilupa,139; Navotas,129; Mandaluyong,128; San Juan,113; Pateros, 79.
With this report, Tayag said that the DOH would be closely monitoring hospitals especially with reported increase number of dengue to ensure that people with suspected dengue cases are accommodated through the dengue express lane.
Tayag said that avoiding overcrowded situation in the hospitals is necessary so each patient could be monitored well and to avoid overdiagnosis prticularly in administering "fluid replacement or fluid resuscitation" which may cause untimely death to children if given unappropriately (either more or less fluids).
He reminded health centers especially in Metro Manila to open even on weekends so they could handle not so serious dengue cases or dengue cases requiring home treatment.
Likewise, Tayag appeased the public not to worry of hospital expenses and should not hesitate to bring their children suspected of dengue to hospitals as there is now "No Balance Bill" scheme by PhilHealth for the identified poorest in the country.
Tayag said the public is constantly reminded of their responsibility in eliminating dengue disease or adhering to the anti-dengue campaign which is anchored on 4S which means: Search and destroy to eliminate all the possible breeding sites of the mosquito that carries the dengue virus; Self protection or measures to protect people from mosquito bites; Seek early treatment; and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.
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