STO. TOMAS, Pampanga–The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday refuted reports about the outbreak of the deadly dengue disease in Barangay Moras dela Paz here. DOH regional director Leonita Gorgolon said there is “no outbreak in Sto. Tomas” contrary to reports aired over national television.
Gorgolon personally visited the reported barangay and talked with municipal health workers and the barangay chairman to clarify the report, which alarmed the public and the local government of Pampanga.
Contrary to report of alleged dengue outbreak, the records of the town’s health office show that there are only three suspected dengue cases at the barangay since Friday of last week.
Gorgolon stressed that DOH is the only office that should do the announcement in case of a dengue outbreak.
‘Under control’
Mayor Joselito Naguit and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) announced Monday that the spread of dengue in their town has been “contained and is now under control”.
Naguit disclosed that in May this year, dengue cases in the said village increased to 22 and one of the victims died due to shock.
Relative to this, the mayor has implemented canalization project to clear stagnant water that served as breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in the area.
“Kaya kontrolado na ang sitwasyon. Malinis na iyong lugar at maayos na ang mga daluyang tubig at nagtulong-tulong ang mga kababayan natin kasama na ang mga opisyal ng barangay, munisipyo at pati na ang Kapitolyo (The situation is under control. The area is now clean and the waterways are cleared. Our people had actively participated, including the village, municipal and even the Capitol officials),” the mayor said.
Pampanga Mayors League (PML) president and Candaba town mayor, Jerry Pelayo has also helped the village officials through the implementation of massive clean-up with the participation of the community in the said village.
Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, PHO officer, said Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda has also assisted dengue patients who had been admitted in district hospitals by shouldering their hospital bills and other expenses.
Jaochico added that the provincial government has deployed its staff to monitor the situation and is consistently imposing measures in controlling the spread of the deadly disease.
“We implement the Four ‘S’ campaign which include: searching and destroying possible breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes; wearing of long sleeved-shirts and long pants for protection; seeking health professionals for a fever that lasts two days or more; and, saying no to indiscriminate fogging,” Jaochico said.
The PHO officer said the campaign should be the battle cry of everybody. “It should generate the active participation of government agencies, community action and involvement and commitment of private sectors as well.
He disclosed that based on record, the rise of dengue cases has deteriorated last June and as of this week of July, the PHO has not received reports of even a single case of dengue in that particular area.By Elaine T. Mercado & Au Catu
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