A three-year-old girl from Poblacion West, Lagawe, Ifugao died of dengue last Jan. 15, making her the first fatality of the dengue virus in the Cordillera region this year.

According to reports from the Center for Health and Development (CHD), the girl had fever for a few days and was brought to a private clinic. She was discharged after her fever receded but the following day, she was brought back to the clinic after she became restless. She was then referred for further treatment to the Veterans Regional Hospital in Nueva Vizcaya where she died.

CHD recorded 1,836 deaths due to dengue in 2009 which is a 100 percent increase compared to the 928 cases recorded in 2008.

According to CHD regional director Dr. Myrna Cabotaje, even  with  El Niño phenomenon or dry weather this first half of 2010, there is no assurance that dengue cases will decrease as there is still a possibility that not all mosquito breeding grounds will get dry and for the dengue-carrying mosquitoes to adopt to the hot climate.

Cabotaje said the health department will continue to intensify its anti-dengue campaign such as the 4-S campaign (Search and destroy dengue mosquito breeding grounds, Self protection, Seek early treatment, and Say no to indiscriminate fogging).

She added that they initially scheduled to launch the 2010 anti-dengue campaign at the Baguio City Hall this February.