Despite rise in Dengue cases, deaths lower - DOH

Although the number of dengue cases from last year increased, the deaths due to the mosquito-inflicted disease declined this year, a television report on Tuesday said. Citing a Department of Health data from January 1 to May 4, 2013, a report aired over GMA 7’s “24 Oras” said that dengue cases increased by 7.47 percent to 33,458 this year from 31,133 dengue cases posted in the same period last year. The television report noted that from January to May 4, 2013, there had been 149 recorded deaths due to the mosquito-inflicted disease, lower compared to the 211 deaths posted in the same period last year. The regions that posted the highest number of dengue cases were: Central Visayas, Calabarzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, Western Visayas, Soccksargen, the report said. Meanwhile, the Health Department started fumigation and misting operations in public schools in a bid to reduce dengue outbreaks. “Ngayong eskuwela, balik dengue rin. Kailangan maging dengue proof ang mga eskuwelahan,” said DOH Asec. Eric Tayag. — Rouchelle R. Dinglasan/DVM, GMA News