Dengue attacks 178 in N. Sulawesi

MANADO: The North Sulawesi Health Office reported that the number of people known to have contracted dengue fever in North Sulawesi reached 178 in January alone. Five of them, children under the age of five, died.

Of the 178 cases, 90 cases were detected in Manado, 65 case in Bitung, 11 cases in South Minahasa, seven cases in North Minahasa, four cases in Minahasa Induk and one case in Tomohon.

There were still no reports of such cases in Bolaang Mongondow, Sangihe Islands and Talaud regencies.

The highest death toll was in Bitung, where four of the victims died, while one died in Manado.

The provincial health office has said it was attempting to prevent the spread of the disease by fumigating throughout the province, especially where the disease has claimed lives. --JP