DOH-R02 records spike in Dengue cases

Dr. Grace V. Santiago, director of the Department of Health-Region 2 during the Tipon-tipan sa PIA hosted by Ms. Gene Baquiran.

SAN MATEO, Isabela- The Dept. of Health-Region 2 (DOH-R02) in a virtual press conference hosted by Gene Baquiran of Phil. Information Agency on June 10, 2022 reported a spike in Dengue cases. Based on the chart presented by Dr. Janet M. Ibay, infectious disease cluster head, there were 2,014 recorded cases from January 1 to June 4, 2022 or 897% higher compared to 202 cases in 2021.

In the entire region, Isabela has the most cases with 967; followed by Cagayan-724; Nueva Vizcaya-262; Quirino- 59 and; Batanes-2. The most affected age group is 11-20 years old and more among the male.

Clustering was seen in Tuguegarao City, Lazam and Piat in the Province of  Cagayan; Gamu, Quirino, San Pablo, City of Ilagan, Cauayan City and Echague in Isabela and; Bagabag, Bayombong, Sta. Fe, Dupax Del Norte, Kasibu and Quezon in Nueva Vizcaya.

Clustering is when there are three or more cases recorded for the past four weeks.

Dr. Grace V. Santiago, director of DOH-R02 said, “We cannot declare epidemic… although we have reached the epidemic threshold in some areas for the whole region, we cannot be classified as an overall epidemic. So, we have given the autonomy to the Local Government Units for them to declare their own outbreak in pockets”.

The public is urged to practice the 4S in Dengue Prevention and Control which is the Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; Self-Protection measures; Say no to indiscriminate fogging; and Seek early consultation.

There is no specific drug yet for Dengue virus, only supportive drugs are given to infected patients.

June is National Dengue Awareness Month and the advocacy theme this year is “Crush Dengue Para ‘di Maglanding on You.”# MAE BARANGAN