The Department of Health on Tuesday said all identified recipients of the Dengvaxia vaccine in the Mimaropa region are well and in good health.
“We have assessed and evaluated all of the Dengvaxia vaccine recipients in the region and they remain to be fit and healthy,” said Health Regional Director Eduardo Janairo.
He said dengue kits, which include multivitamins, a thermometer, a mosquito net, mosquito repellent, soap, and a manual of information on dengue, were given to the children’s parents.
“We will continue to monitor these children to ensure their health and safety through the Dengvaxia Task Force, the Provincial Department of Health Office and in coordination with the provincial and local health workers,” he said.
As of Feb. 22, the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit recorded a total of 83 Dengvaxia recipients in Mimaropa.
Most recipients were from Occidental Mindoro with 53; followed by Oriental Mindoro with 15; Marinduque with 13; and Romblon with two.
There were two recorded admissions due to abdominal pain and headache after the patients suffered from fever, colds and vesicular rashes, but they were later discharged.
Most of the recipients received the vaccine from private clinics and hospitals and government schools in Calabarzon and Metro Manila in 2016.
In Mimaropa, there are a total of 2,774 dengue cases with 19 deaths recorded last year.
Occidental Mindoro posted the highest number with 1,233 cases and 8 deaths; followed by Palawan with 529 cases; Oriental Mindoro with 466 cases and 6 deaths; Puerto Princesa City with 248 and 1 death; Romblon with 143 cases and 3 deaths; Calapan City with 89 identified cases; and Marinduque with 66 cases and 1 death.
Janairo said regional misting and disinfection teams are continuously conducting operations in areas where high cases of dengue are being reported.
“Preventing dengue begins at home through routine cleanup of surroundings. Early consultation is also important once a member of the family experiences persistent fever for proper medical supervision in order to avoid serious complications that may occur,” Janairo said.
