CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Provincial Health Officer Dr. Marcelo Jaochico reminded the 390 elementary school principals and administrators of the province to be vigilant of dengue cases and other health issues being experienced by their students.
This was brought up during the Forum on Issues on Dengue/Dengvaxia with Public Elementary Principals held at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here.
Jaochico said that despite lower dengue cases this year, school authorities should not be complacent because of the existing issues on Dengvaxia effect cases.
“Although there is a reduction in cases, the risk is always there to be monitored and given extra attention. We must follow necessary preventive measures like cleanliness and raise awareness about the disease,” he said.
He further explained that 424 Dengvaxia cases were consulted and admitted in different hospitals and rural health units (RHUs) in the province as of today. Meanwhile, there are four children who received the vaccine and died were reported with different findings not attributed to Dengvaxia.
Amidst issues, cases of Dengue in the province are lowered by 28%.
Dengue Surveillance Report 2018 shows a total of 978 dengue cases were reported by different Disease Reporting Units in the province since January this year up to date.
This is 28% lower compared to the same time period last year with 1,355 cases.
Jolly Garcia, Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit head and Dengue and Malaria coordinator, pointed out that the lower recorded percentage of dengue is attributed to the hard work of Barangay Dengue Task Force composed and led by the Municipal Health Officer or rural physician, Rural Sanitary Inspector, Rural Health Midwife, school principal, non-government organizations, Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Captains who were trained to help combat dengue.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda also reminded the school principals and administrators to immediately report any signs of illness to the nearest provincial and district hospital especially those who received Dengvaxia.
“Dapat dalhin na agad sa ospital yung mga estudyante kapag nagkasakit na. Huwag na nating hintayin na may mangyari pa sa kanila kasi parang mga anak ninyo na rin sila,” she said.
She also said that all the medical expenses of the students who received Dengvaxia will be free of charge.
Also gracing the event are Board Members Cherry Manalo, Benjamin Jocson, Salvador Dimson Jr, Nelson Calara, Ananias Canlas Jr, Rosve Henson, Rolando Balingit, and Olga Frances David-Dizon; and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Leonardo Zapanta.
AIDA B. BUNGUE
