LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) has recorded 1,398 dengue cases in the province from January 1 to June 11 this year, 136 percent higher than the 592 cases during the same period last year.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Anna Teresa De Guzman, in an interview Wednesday, said her office will talk with barangay officials in the entire province and seek their help to remind the public to keep their environments clean and to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
“Mosquitoes breed in dark places and in stagnant waters, which is why, we need to frequently clean those places to prevent them from breeding in the community, especially now that rain pours daily, when water might accumulate in certain places,” De Guzman said.
“Aside from misting, we are also planning to speak to them (barangay officials) for possible clean-up operations in their surroundings,” she said.
De Guzman disclosed that six mortalities due to dengue have been recorded compared to only four last year.
Among the 10 cities and municipalities closely monitored for high number of cases are: Urdaneta City (151 cases); Bayambang (85 cases); Binmaley (78 cases); Alaminos City (76 cases); Lingayen (68 cases); Mangaldan (66 cases); Asingan (61 cases); San Carlos City (61 cases); Pozorrubio (57 cases); and Sta. Barbara (51 cases).
De Guzman further said the youngest victim of dengue was a two-month-old baby boy, while the oldest was an 86-year-old female.
Meanwhile, Dagupan City Health Office has recorded 98 cases during the same period this year, 23 cases higher than last year’s cases.
Dr. Ophelia Rivera, City Health Officer, said their office is focused on Barangays Bonuan Gueset, Pantal and Bonuan Boquig. (Hilda Austria and Ahikam Pasion/PNA)
