Search This Blog

Friday, July 23, 2010

Philippines : DOH declares epidemic of malaria in CamNorte

Via Inquirer :

" LEGAZPI CITY : The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol has declared a malaria epidemic in Camarines Norte after health officials confirmed that 182 residents of one town in the province were stricken by the mosquito-borne disease.

The cases were found in Jose Panganiban town, but the DOH said it declared an epidemic in the entire province to alert all officials on the need to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the disease.

Camilo Aquino, DOH malaria coordinator, said a team sent by DOH to Jose Panganiban found that most victims there were children and at least 20 percent were members of a tribal community.

He said health workers had difficulty administering treatment because patients would normally refuse to follow procedures, like the schedule of taking medicines.

Aquino said malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes."

No comments:

Post a Comment