16 February 2008
DARAGA, Albay—Health officials noted an increasing number of dengue cases here even as the rainy season was over, with 23 cases reported in Albay from January to middle of February.
The highest number of cases come from this town with 18, covering 13 villages.
No deaths were recorded but health officials were keeping close watch if the trend would increase.
Dr. Mercy Chua, municipal health officer, said the spread of dengue could have been triggered by incessant rains in January and unclean surroundings after Supertyphoon “Reming” left massive devastation in Albay late last year.
She said mosquitoes could have found breeding places in enlarged bodies of water as portions of land were scoured by lahar from Mayon Volcano creating new river channels.
Chua said the Municipal Health Office had already conducted community assemblies—educating villagers on prevention and control.
It did not advocate fogging or fumigation since it only temporarily drove away mosquitoes. Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon
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