DENGUE CASES in the Davao Region increased by about 60% to 4,345 during the first seven months of the year compared with the same period last year, the regional office of the Department of Health reported last week. Of the total, 21 deaths were recorded, up from 14 last year. Davao City, the most populated urban area in the region, had the highest number of cases at 2,168 with 11 deaths, nearly double than what was reported last year. Among the provinces, Davao del Norte had 562 cases with six deaths while all the others reported one death each. The other provinces in the region are Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley. Antonietta P. Ebol, Davao Regional Dengue Control and Prevention Program manager, said the Buhangin district in Davao City had the most number of dengue patients, which has been the case in the last five years despite continued campaigns undertaken by both the DoH regional office and the City Health Office. Ms. Ebol said the main factor contributing to the problem in Buhangin is the lack of water supply in the area, and residents “are storing water in open containers” that become breeding grounds for dengue-causing mosquitos. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR