LAOAG CITY (July 17) – At least 134 suspected dengue cases were reported in various hospitals in Ilocos Norte since January this year, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Wahlberg Samonte disclosed yesterday.
Out of this number, Dr. Samonte said that 69 patients were confirmed positive of dengue and that three of them have died from this illness caused by the dreaded mosquito bite. The fatalities were from the municipalities of Dingras, Bangui and Laoag City.
In an interview with PIO staff, Dr. Samonte said that Gov. Imee Marcos had issued a memorandum immediately after learning that the municipality of Solsona was set to declare its town under state of calamity due to the alleged outbreak of dengue cases in Brgy. Laureta, there.
Under the memorandum, the governor directed the creation of a Dengue Task Force to be headed by provincial health officer Dr. Samonte.
The Barangay Dengue Brigade, through the efforts of the municipal mayors, was also activated for help monitor the cases of dengue in the province.
All hospitals were also tasked to create a dengue express lane where all patients suffering from fever will be given priority.
The Governor also tasked the provincial health officer to put up a Dengue Hotline at the Provincial Hospital so that hospital officials can immediately respond to any concerns regarding dengue cases.
In a related case, Dr. Samonte also explained that the alleged negligence committed by doctors of GRASMH over the death of a 7-month old infant due to dengue, has no concrete basis.
He stressed that, although, the patient was repeatedly taken to the provincial hospital, the doctors did not find early symptom of dengue virus since the incubation period lasts from 2-10 days.
Dr. Roger Braceros, chief of hospital at the GRASMH, noted that the patient was admitted at the GRASMH as out-patient.
It was learned that the infant patient was transferred later by her mother to the City General Hospital in Nalbo, this city and confined there for days. When the patient showed dengue symptoms, she was rushed to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac City. She expired there later as doctors exerted all remedies.
