South Cotabato health officials seek public support vs. dengue

KORONADAL CITY -- Health officials in South Cotabato have raised an alert level on dengue cases as the number hits more than 5,000 this year, more than 100 percent higher as compared from January to November last year. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, South Cotabato provincial health chief, told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida that24 patients have died as of Dec. 12 due to dengue, a preventable disease should everybody cooperates. Data from the South Cotabato provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESO) showed that Koronadal City has the highest number of fatality due to dengue with six, following by Tupi which has five deaths. The upland towns of Polomolok and Surallah have four each while two were reported killed in Banga town. In the towns of Tantangan, Norala and Lake Sebu have one fatality each. Aturdido said since January to Dec. 13, a total of 5,719 dengue cases were reported in both public and private hospitals in the province. The figure was 100.3 higher as compared to data last year which has only about 2,600 cases. Aturdido told reporters that public support and participation in the general efforts of containing dengue cases is as important as life. He said the public participation is so simple all they need is to clean their surroundings as well as inside homes and residential areas. Aturdido said water containers should be cleaned, canals and passages ways should be cleared of stagnant waters.