Dengue cases up in Cagayan Valley

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Amid the worldwide alarm on the growing incidents of A(H1N1) virus (or swine flu), health authorities have also to contend with the increasing dengue cases in this northeastern Luzon region’s five pro­vinces.

This, as cases of persons afflicted with the mosquito-inflicted viral disease have increased by more than 10 percent this half of the year as compared to the same period last year.

In a news released by the Philippine Information Agency regional office based in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, there are already 395 dengue cases recorded in the region from January to June, which is 14 percent higher as compared to the same months last year.

Dr. Lydia Depra-Ramos, director of the Department of Health for Cagayan Valley, said that they expect more incidents of dengue in the region amid the onset of the rainy season wherein the said illness is more prevalent.

“We are paying attention to dengue cases because it’s getting higher, equally as we are also paying attention to the A(H1N1) virus,” said Ramos, assuring that health authorities in the region are ready for any eventualities for both viral diseases.

According to information, of the region’s five provinces, Cagayan and Isabela have almost equal number of dengue cases, followed by Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

Moreover, the DOH here called on the region’s government and private hospitals to put in place their dengue express lane to avoid infection with other patients inside their premises.

Ramos, likewise, encouraged the public to donate blood amid the increasing number of cases of dengue patients who need blood.