LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Pangasinan disclosed that cases of influenza virus, dengue fever, typhoid fever, and acute gastroenteritis covering the period from January 1 to 22, 2024, are lower compared to the same period in 2023.
Based on the report from various inter-local health zones (ILHZs) in the province, current typhoid cases decreased by 60%. The towns of Bayambang, Malasiqui, Pozorrubio, and Sta. Maria incurred one case each during the first 22 days of January 2024, while there were 10 reported cases last year covering the same period.
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi that is usually spread through contaminated food or water.
Surveillance data on influenza showed that cases last January 1–22, 2023, totaled 177, while 145 cases were reported during the same period in 2024. This shows a decline of 18%. Current data likewise discloses that Alaminos City has the highest number of cases with 29, followed by Lingayen Town with 17, and Binmaley with 10.
Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory ailment caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death if not treated.
An update on dengue recorded that 72 were afflicted from January 1–22, 2024, while 83 were recorded in the same period in 2023, thus translating to a 13% decrease. However, a single death was recorded involving an 11-year-old child from Binmaley town on January 9.
Dengue is a tropical disease caused by a virus caused by mosquitoes. The virus can cause fever, headaches, rashes, and pain throughout the body.
On acute gastroenteritis cases, the PHO noted a decrease of 23%. From January 1 to January 22, 2024, data showed 373 cases, while a total of 486 were reported in the same period in 2023. Included in the PHO current watchlist are the following: San Carlos City with 25 cases; Calasiao with 23; Lingayen with 20; Mangaldan with 17; Bolinao with 15; Bayambang with 14; and Dasol with 13.
Acute gastroenteritis is a disease that occurs when food or water is contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium perfringens, Vibrio cholera, and E. coli. coli) or their toxins are consumed. Symptoms of the disease include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
The PHO warns the public to guard against illnesses by drinking enough water or fruit juices and by practicing proper hygiene, which includes regular hand washing.
(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)
