DAGUPAN CITY -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has advised Pangasinenses to maintain clean surroundings and to immediately seek medical attention for early symptoms, following the 67.14-percent increase in the number of dengue cases and 140.31-percent rise in leptospirosis cases in the province.
The PHO recorded 7,777 dengue cases in the entire province from Jan. 1 to Nov. 19 this year, 3,124 cases higher than the 4,653 cases during the same period last year, Rodhalia Binay-an, coordinator at the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the PHO, said in an interview Tuesday.
In August alone, 1,990 cases of dengue were noted with 25 deaths, nine cases higher than the disease’s mortality rate in 2017, Binay-an said.
The PHO placed under its watch list the cities of Urdaneta with 623 cases; San Carlos, 444; and Alaminos, 434; along with the municipalities of Pozorrubio, 416; Binmaley, 411; Mangaldan, 387; Asingan, 321; Bayambang, 318; Mapandan, 256; and Manaoag, 251.
Out of the total number of victims, 4,152 were males and 3,625 were females; while children aged 10 to 14 years old were the most affected.
Meanwhile, Binay-an said the PHO reported 459 leptospirosis cases from Jan. 1 to Nov. 19 this year, 140.31-percent higher than the 191 cases during the same period last year.
She disclosed that there were already 61 fatalities during the period, compared to last year’s three deaths.
The highest number of cases with 179 patients was recorded in August when the province experienced massive flooding due to various weather disturbances.
The age group of 15 to 19 years is the most heavily affected, with 65 cases.
Included on the PHO’s watch list due to leptospirosis are Binmaley, Mangatarem, Mangaldan, San Fabian, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Bayambang, Manaoag, Urdaneta City, and Aguilar.
Dagupan City, on the other hand, had 15 fatalities due to leptospirosis during the given period. (PNA)
