Measles, dengue on ‘red f lag’ in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY --- Health authorities in Bicol continue to be confronted with two health issues prompting the Department of Health (DOH) here to sustain its “red flag” health alert status. Measles:

DOH data indicated that as of March 30 this year, 831 children were reported ill and 9 of the affected children died of the disease.

Albay still holds the highest number of cases at 276, followed by Camarines Sur – 227, Sorsogon – 150, Masbate – 119, Camarines Norte – 46, Catanduanes – 12, and 1 from another place, the report said.

Hounded by this health issue on measles, the DOH advised the public to be vigilant and refer a person showing signs and symptoms to the nearest health facility for early diagnosis and prompt case management.

Symptoms include cough, colds, red eyes, fever, and skin rashes.

Dengue:

The DOH has declared “Dengue Hot Spots” in two barangays in Naga City in Camarines Sur and a barangay in Gigmoto town in Catanduanes.

DOH has observed that dengue cases continue to rise with 1,070 recorded cases; of this, 9 people have died within the period January to March 30, this year.

Camarines Sur has the highest number of cases with 583, followed by Sorsogon – 154, Albay – 142, Camarines Norte -- 89, Masbate – 73, Catanduanes – 28, and others - 1.

On the reported deaths, Camarines Sur had 3; Sorsogon, 3, and 1 each in Albay, Camarines Norte and Masbate.

To control and prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, the DOH reiterated its call to practice the 4S strategy.

4S stands for: “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, “Self-protection measures”, “Seek early consultation” for fever as early as one day, and “Say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.