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| Buenavista landscape. |
In an interview, Dr. Eduardo Janairo said dengue cases increased last Saturday from five last Friday to 30 on Monday, but there is no outbreak.
“There were reported new cases in the towns of Torrijos, Gasan, Bue-navista and Boac but the new cases do not constitute an outbreak. Not even a single hotspot has been identified,” Janairo told People’s Tonight.
Janairo explained that not all of the 30 reported new cases have been confirmed as dengue cases. Some of them were already sent home. He attributed the increase to the cycle and the rainy season.
“Maulan kasi ngayon kaya medyo nag-increase ang cases. But I repeat, walang outbreak,” the DOH official said.
Janairo also pointed out that declaration of disease outbreaks should come from the DOH national or the regional office, adding that there are cases of local government officials declaring an outbreak in order to collect calamity funds for their locality.
The regional director, however, assured that he already ordered a visit to all hospitals in Lucena, Quezon and in Manila to check if there are dengue patients from Marinduque.
Buenavista Mayor Russel Madrigal appealed for help and more blood donations due to a dengue patients in the town, but did not give a number of cases.
Madrigal also talked with Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon via phone patch. Gordon pledged for blood donation which will be coming from PRC-Batangas chapter.
Gordon said they are already monitoring the situation in Buenavista, Marinduque and reminded Madrigal to take preventive measures against dengue.
Last month’s records showed Marinduque had 38 reported dengue cases -- Gasan with 15, Boac (15) and Buenavista (7). - Journal
