City health: Avoid pneumonia, stay away from crowded places

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Health department has expressed concern over the increasing number of deaths caused by pneumonia.

City Health Officer Stella Ygoña said that of the 2,880 cases of pneumonia in 2010, 44 died. The number of pneumonia cases in 2011 continued to go up to 3,702 with 69 casualties.   Although the number of pneumonia cases went down to 3,054 last year, 98 deaths were recorded. Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs most commonly caused by a bacteria or virus.

The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious and are usually found in fluids from the mouth or nose of an infected person.

Pneumonia can be spread through coughing, sneezing or by sharing drinking glasses and utensils with infected persons as well as through contact with used tissues and handkerchiefs.

Ygoña emphasized the importance of hand washing especially when around a person with pneumonia since the bacteria and viruses can also be spread through hands and then to the mouth.

She said one way to prevent pneumonia is to avoid going to congested places.

Also last year, over 25,000 children suffered ordinary coughs, colds and fever and landed in various hospitals in the city.

Statistics also showed that diarrhea cases increased with 4,871 people affected last year and 52 deaths compared to only 1,547 diarrhea cases with 30 deaths in 2011. (FREEMAN)