by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA 9) - - 27 cases of dengue were recorded first week of January alone involving mostly children below 10 years old. As this develops, the City Health Office advises public anew to keep their surroundings clean and free from possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes that may be possible carriers of the viral disease.
City Health Officer Rodelin Agbulos said the present number of dengue cases could possibly rise if the public will not cooperate and do their share of responsibility of observing basic counter measures like detection and elimination of possible mosquito breeding places.
CHO said the 27 patients who fell victims to the disease came from 15 various barangays of the city with Talon-Talon, so far, having the highest number (5) of people down by dengue while others came from barangays Putik, San Roque, Tetuan, Tumaga, Tugbungan , Zambowood, Calarian, Divisoria, Guiwan, Labuan, Maasin, Pasonanca, Recodo and Sangali.
The medical world defines Dengue as an acute viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, of which the victims experience headache, fever, pains in joints and skin rash also called breakbone fever.
It is transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus Aedes.
The virus has four different types; infection with one type usually gives lifelong immunity to that type, but only short term immunity to others. Succeeding infection with a different type increases the risk of severe complications.
As there is no vaccine, prevention is sought by reducing the habitat and number of mosquitoes and limiting exposure to bites. (JPA / PIA ZBST)
