Dengue Cases in ARMM Region Alarming
The Department of Health–Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) has stepped up its anti-dengue campaign following the reported rise in dengue cases within the first half of this year.
Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., DOH-ARMM chief, said based on field reports obtained by them from January–May this year, dengue cases in the region numbered to 148, some 50 percent higher compared to the same period last year that registered 74 cases.
“This is quite alarming that is why, I have tapped my provincial health officers to increase public awareness against dengue,” he said.
The ARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan and Lanao del Sur.
Sinolinding said of the five provinces, Maguindanao registered the highest number of dengue cases in Parang town at 29 with one death, trailed by Jolo town in Sulu with 27 but with a death toll of seven.
Dengue is a virus spread by disease-carrying mosquitoes called Aedes aegypti found in tropic and sub tropic regions, including the Philippines.
Sinolinding said symptoms include high fever coupled with flat, red rashes in the arms and several other parts of the body.
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