BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (August 9)—The province of Nueva Vizcaya has reached the level of outbreak with over 1,300 dengue cases recorded this year, according to the provincial health office (PHO) in the capital town of Bayombong.
Dr. Jocelyn Bumidang, assistant health officer, noted that the number of dengue cases which continue to rise in the province shows that there is now an outbreak in the province.
With this, the PHO has prompted health workers to closely monitor the cleaning and sanitation of the surroundings in the community.
“The peak of cases was noted on morbidity week 25. Three suspected dengue deaths were already recorded as of July 27,” Bumidang said.
PHO records show the area with the highest number of dengue cases is Bayombong with 215 cases. Solano, meanwhile, has 196 cases and Quezon has 149 cases.
“We need the cooperation of Novo Vizcayanos to stop the spread of dengue cases in the province by regularly cleaning their surroundings, especially in areas where dengue-carrying mosquitoes continue to thrive,” Bumidang said.
Other municipalities in the province with confirmed dengue cases include Bambang with 121 cases, Kasibu with 118, Aritao with 87, Dupax del Norte with 79, Santa Fe with 70, Kayapa with 69, Bagabag with 60, Diadi with 48, Dupax del Norte with 32, Villaverde with 29, Ambaguio with 16 and Alfonso Castaneda with 10.
“We have strengthened our surveillance system in the province, monitoring towns with an increased number of cases and partnered with municipal and barangay local government units for immediate clean-up drives in their communities, proper referral system, timely reporting of cases, and supply readiness,” Bumidang said.
She said they are also conducting information, education and communication campaigns in various villages.