Dengue cases in Taguig down in 2013

MANILA, Philippines - The reported cases of dengue in Taguig City dropped from 1,385 reported cases in 2012 to just 690 last year according to the year-end report of the Taguig City Health Office (CHO).

“This drastic drop of the number of cases and reported deaths is proving that when the city government and the people work hand in hand, we can achieve better results,” Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano said.

The CHO report likewise indicated that dengue-related deaths were reduced to one from the seven cases reported last year.

CHO Officer-in-Charge Dr. Isaias Ramos said their year-round synchronized actions to fight dengue helped in reducing the cases to half.

“We conducted several misting operations in the 28 barangays. There was also de-clogging and clean-up drives done to decrease mosquitoes in the areas,” he said.

Aside from these, the CHO also conducted information drives in the form of leaflets and lectures.

“A more informed public is very important especially when it comes to health,” Mayor Cayetano said.

According to the CHO, Barangay Western Bicutan had the highest reported cases of dengue with 128 people diagnosed while Brgy. Ligid had the lowest with only one. Most of the victims were  five years old and above.

The month of September had been the busiest month with 197 reported cases. Cases decreased in the following months and in December, only two were diagnosed.

However, out of the 690, a total of 178 cases were confirmed to be dengue while 100 were probable and 412 were suspected cases only. - Mike Frialde