DOH-7: No Malaria Cases in Region 7

CEBU CITY – There are no malaria cases in Region 7, according to the Department of Health (DOH-7).

DOH-7 Program Coordinator Dr. Ronald Buscan said during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) Forum there are zero indigenous malaria cases in Central Visayas especially in Bohol, Siquijor, and Cebu.

The last time there was a case was in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental was five years ago.

“As of now, here in Cebu, we have a problem due to many foreigners who are here who came from African countries like Nigeria, Papua New Guinea or seaman who will pass by those areas, so every year we have imported malaria cases,” said Buscan.

As of now, there are 12 imported cases in the region: six in Cebu; three in Bohol; two in Negros Oriental; and one in Siquijor.

Imported cases came from the foreigners who already affected with malaria from other country that will arrive here in the Philippines and developed symptoms, explained Buscan.

“Malaria is not yet eliminated here in the Philippines because Palawan and Mindoro are still well known with high cases of Malaria,” said Buscan.

Malaria is a disease of the blood by the plasmodium parasite.

Malaria is caused by infected mosquito bites same with dengue, chikungunya and zika but it differs in the type of mosquito.

This type of mosquito primarily bites between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am.

The disease can also be transmitted through blood transfusion and needle sharing, said Buscan.

Buscan added that malaria symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting.

It is transmitted from person to person by the female Anopheles mosquito.

Malaria infection can develop into anemia, hypoglycaemia, or cereal malaria in which capillaries carrying blood to the brain are blocked.

Cerebral malaria can cause coma, life-long learning disabilities and even death.

He also said public should be extra cautious and mindful of the different areas where mosquitoes can thrive.

To avoid malaria, the public is advised to practice the following 4s of Dengue:

1. Search and destroy mosquito breeding places.

2. Self-protection measures are a must.Wearing of long-sleeved clothing and pants, use of long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets especially during nighttime, use mosquito repellants, clear hanging branches of trees along streams, have blood examined if you have the signs and symptoms of malaria, and follow the advice of health workers on how to take anti-malaria drugs.

3. Seek early consultation.

4. Say yes to fogging