Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Health authorities battle Malaria outbreak in North Cotabato
By Williamor Magbanua
Inquirer Mindanao
First Posted 19:15:00 04/24/2010
KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines?At least 43 cases of malaria have been monitored in North Cotabato since January, prompting officials to adopt measures aimed at fighting the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
In a report released last Wednesday, the Integrated Provincial Health Office said cases of malaria were recorded in the towns of Tulunan, President Roxas, Carmen, Banisilan and in Kabacan.
Tulunan town registered the most cases with 30 individuals acquiring the potentially fatal but preventable illness.
Rogelio Gante, head of the village of Bacung, said that children and the elderly were the most affected by malaria.
He said most of the patients have since recovered though.
Dr. Sherlito Pineda, medical officer of the Father Tulio Favali Hospital in Tulunan, said the health office has already oriented local health workers on conduct of residual spraying to kill mosquitoes. Mosquito nets have also been distributed to the villages.
?The conduct of residual spraying and distribution of mosquito nets in affected villages could help reduce the prevalence of the disease,? he said.
But Gante admitted that more needs to be done to minimize, if not totally put under control, the disease.
He said the cooperation of villagers was needed.
Because of this, village officials have been actively campaigning and asking villagers to maintain good hygiene in their surroundings and in their respective homes, Gante said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breaki...ies-battle-Malaria-outbreak-in-North-Cotabato
By Williamor Magbanua
Inquirer Mindanao
First Posted 19:15:00 04/24/2010
KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines?At least 43 cases of malaria have been monitored in North Cotabato since January, prompting officials to adopt measures aimed at fighting the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
In a report released last Wednesday, the Integrated Provincial Health Office said cases of malaria were recorded in the towns of Tulunan, President Roxas, Carmen, Banisilan and in Kabacan.
Tulunan town registered the most cases with 30 individuals acquiring the potentially fatal but preventable illness.
Rogelio Gante, head of the village of Bacung, said that children and the elderly were the most affected by malaria.
He said most of the patients have since recovered though.
Dr. Sherlito Pineda, medical officer of the Father Tulio Favali Hospital in Tulunan, said the health office has already oriented local health workers on conduct of residual spraying to kill mosquitoes. Mosquito nets have also been distributed to the villages.
?The conduct of residual spraying and distribution of mosquito nets in affected villages could help reduce the prevalence of the disease,? he said.
But Gante admitted that more needs to be done to minimize, if not totally put under control, the disease.
He said the cooperation of villagers was needed.
Because of this, village officials have been actively campaigning and asking villagers to maintain good hygiene in their surroundings and in their respective homes, Gante said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breaki...ies-battle-Malaria-outbreak-in-North-Cotabato