ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 25, 2012) – Health officials have confirmed at least 9 deaths from dengue fever since early this year in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.
Zamboanga City Health Officer Dr. Rodelyn Agbulos said the increasing number of dengue cases reported in hospitals the past three months is alarming.
Agbulos said more than 600 dengue cases were reported since January. “It is very alarming now. We have 9 deaths related to dengue fever,” he said.
The dengue virus is transmitted to human through the bites of a particular mosquito – Aedes aegypti – which causes hemorrhagic fever.
Most of those who succumbed to the virus were children.
In 2008, at least 190 people had been infected with dengue in Zamboanga following an outbreak of the deadly virus characterized by high fever, rash, headache and severe muscle and joint pains.
Officials appeal to citizens to help fight dengue by cleaning their surroundings to get rid of breeding places of mosquitoes such as stagnant water, canals, flower pots and discarded tires. (Mindanao Examiner)
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