Monday, July 21, 2008
Council summons plans v. dengue
TO better prepare for the expected increase in dengue cases during the rainy season, the Cebu City Council will summon three barangays to map out their programs during each session, starting August.
From January to June this year, dengue has killed 31 people in the city, compared to just three for the same period last year.
As of June 30 this year, 726 dengue cases were already recorded, compared to 282 in 2007, or an increase of 157.45 percent.
Based on experience, dengue cases dramatically rise starting July up to December.
The council will summon the barangays, particularly those in the top 20, to explain their anti-dengue programs, particularly a functional disaster program.
Help us help you
Vice Mayor Michael Rama, council presiding officer, said the barangays need to inform the body what each is doing so the councilors would know how to help them.
The Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) were also told to help.
City Councilor Gerardo Carillo mentioned Barangay Lahug, which was cited before as having effectively addressed the problem. Carillo was tasked to monitor the dengue situation.
Based on the January to June 2008 statistics, Lahug is ranked eighth among barangays with the most number of dengue cases.
In the ABC general assembly last month, Mayor Tomas Osmeña cited Lahug as an example that concerted efforts will yield good results, after its dengue cases decreased significantly.
Dengue zones
Lahug used to rank third among barangays with the most number of dengue incidents.
According to the City Health Department (CHD) Epidemiology Statistics and Surveillance Unit, Barangay Guadalupe still has the most number of dengue cases with 49, followed by Labangon with 40, Inayawan with 39; Mabolo, 35; Tisa, 32; Talamban, 31; Basak San Nicolas, 29; Lahug, 29; Bulacao, 24; and Mambaling, 23.
With three each, Guadalupe, Tisa, and Talamban have the most number of deaths due to dengue.
In addressing the barangay captains last month, the mayor said that dengue is a continuing problem all barangays should be wary of.
He reminded the barangay officials of the clustering of dengue cases, which will give them an idea where breeding places could be found.
For next week, the CHD will conduct massive mist-spraying in the Bulacao Community Elementary School, Inayawan Elementary School and Inayawan Night High School. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 21, 2008 issue)
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