No Dengue Outbreak Amid 200% Increase in Cases

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Health (DoH) in Cordillera reported yesterday that there remains no need to declare a dengue outbreak in the region even as those afflicted with the mosquito-borne disease have skyrocketed by over 200 percent of last year’s figures.

Dr. Myrna Cabotaje, DoH-Cordillera director, said health authorities are in control of the situation even as dengue fever cases recorded in the different parts of the region since January increased to 3,367 or over 200 percent of the number of Cordillerans afflicted with dengue in the same period last year.

Cabotaje said that despite the rise in cases of dengue, the figures in the region is relatively lower compared to other areas in the country, thus, there is no need to declare dengue outbreak.

She said declaring an outbreak or epidemic will likely affect the region’s economy as it may send a wrong signal to outsiders, much to detriment of the local tourism industry.

At the same time, she claimed that the 11 dengue-related deaths in the region is also relatively low, indicating that they are in full control of the situation provided that people suffering from flu-like symptoms must avail themselves of immediate medical attention.

Based on DOH-Cordillera data, the dengue fatality rate in the region is 0.3 percent which is relatively lower than the fatality rate of over 1 percent in other regions.

While the health department is recording an all-time high in dengue cases nationwide, Cabotaje expressed optimism that cases will decrease in the coming months.

From January to September 11 last year, the recorded dengue fever cases were only 1,268 with only a few deaths.

Cabotaje said dengue cases can be significantly lowered with the active support from all local government units and elected officials, including all sectors in the various communities.

The health department added clustering of dengue fever cases were recorded in Baguio City, particularly in barangays Irisan, Middle Rock Quarry, Atok Trial and San Vicente while clustered dengue cases were simultaneously uncovered in the towns of Kabayan, Mankayan and La Trinidad in Benguet; Kiangan and Lagawe in Ifugao; Tabuk City in Kalinga and Bontoc in Mountain province.

Dexter See, Manila Bulletin