PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) assured measures and advice were already given to the local government unit (LGU) of Narra to ensure the safety of athletes in the upcoming Palarong Panlalawigan against the upsurge of dengue cases.
Dr. Faye Erika Querijero-Labrador, provincial health officer, said active cases recorded last week have reached 24. The majority of cases were from the Poblacion area, and an increase has been noticed from the first to the second week of March.
She clarified that it is at the discretion of the local government unit to declare if the rise of cases has already been classified as an outbreak.
“There is an upsurge for the first quarter in the municipality of Narra. The DOH has given an advisory kay Narra, but Narra will be the one to announce. Sila ang pwede mag-declare,” she said.
The PHO has coordinated with the municipal government and provincial government of Palawan regarding the findings of the evaluation in Narra. The office also recorded deaths among the cases, and figures are yet to be verified from the latest report.
The health department and PHO issued an advisory on the strengthened campaign of its 5S strategy against dengue since February.
This strategy includes search and destroy, self-protection, seeking consultation, supporting fogging in outbreak areas, and sustaining hydration.
“Hindi dahil El Niño ngayon ay hindi pwedeng tumaas ang cases ng dengue. In February, nagrelease ng advisory ng DOH regarding stringent efforts in conducting measures against dengue cases—Even us, we have already released an advisory,” she said.
Board member Ferdinand Zaballa airs concern on upsurge of dengue cases in Narra town. (Photo by Rachel Ganancial)
In a regular session on Tuesday, board member Ferdinand Zaballa said the established task force on dengue also plans to expand its scope in the sitios.
He also expressed his concerns about the safety of athletes and visitors during the upcoming sports activity from April 14 to April 19 in Narra.
“Magpapatawag ng mga personality from Provincial Health Office, Department of Education, and sports committee sa probinsya para makapagbalangkas tayo ng mga programa habang nagkakaroon ng Palarong Panlalawigan ay makahanda kami sa mga barangay-barangay to host 23 municipalities,” he said.
Zaballa suggested referring the concern jointly to the committees on barangay affairs, basic education, and health.
Labrador, on the other hand, assured that PHO also has coordination with DepEd Palawan regarding measures on Palarong Panlalawigan. (RG/PIA Mimaropa - Palawan)
