By Danilo E. Doguiles
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 31 (PIA) -- Dengue cases in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 has risen by 205 percent, according to a report from the Department of Health (DOH) – 12.
Record from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit 12 showed that, as of June 20 reported dengue cases in the area have already reached 7,221. At the same time last year, the region only recorded 2,368 dengue cases.
Deaths due to the mosquito-borne disease have also risen from 24 on the 29th week in 2012 to 36 last week.
Very remarkable increase was observed in the number of dengue cases in Sarangani province, which recorded a staggering 795% rise, from 150 cases last year to 1,653 this year.
The same report indicated that 2,337 dengue cases were reported from North Cotabato; 1,653 from South Cotabato; 1,334 from Gensan; 323 from Sultan Kudarat; and, 231 from Cotabato City.
Thirteen deaths have been reported from Gensan, 11 from North Cotabato, 7 from Sarangani, 3 from South Cotabato, and 2 from Sultan Kudarat.
However, South Cotabato Health Officer Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr, this morning confirmed that one more person died of dengue this week, increasing the province’s number of deaths due to dengue to four.
RESU 12 noted of several hotspots in the recent weeks, including Barangays Labangal, Bula, Apopong Fatima, Calumpang, San Isidro and Tambler in General Santos City
In Sarangani hotspots were reported in Barangays Poblacion, Alegria, and Kawas in Maasim town; Poblacion and Poblacion in Glan.
Moreover, in South Cotabato province hotspots were reported in Barangay Poblacion in Polomolok Poblacion in Santo Niño and Poblacion in Tupi.
Health officials in the region, led by DOH 12 director Dr. Marlyn Convocar, have repeatedly reminded the public to religiously practice the 4 o’clock habit, which involves daily late afternoon cleanup of probable breeding sites of mosquitoes.
Dr. Convocar also emphasized that community involvement especially in the search and destroy of breeding places remains the most effective means to control dengue. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)
