ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 18, 2008) – Local health authorities expressed alarm Thursday over the increasing cases of pneumonia after several deaths in children had been reported in recent weeks.
Cases of pneumonia in children have increased sharply from an average of 160 a month in 2007 to more than 400 each month this year. Although the exact numbers of deaths were not readily available for comparison, health officials urged parents to immunize their children and shield them from the deadly disease.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung, and can be caused by nearly any class of organism known to cause human infections. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
It is also the most common fatal infection acquired by already hospitalized patients. In developing countries, pneumonia ties with diarrhea as the most common cause of death.
Dr Rodelyn Agbulos, chief of the Zamboanga City Health Office, said the increasing numbers of pneumonia cases, many in infants, was noted since July.
“We advice the public to take good care of their health and to practice good personal hygiene, parents must allow their children to be immunized in health centers, and to maintain a good and balanced nutrition and exercise regularly to enhance the immune system,” Agbulos told the Mindanao Examiner.
Cases of pneumonia in children have increased sharply from an average of 160 a month in 2007 to more than 400 each month this year. Although the exact numbers of deaths were not readily available for comparison, health officials urged parents to immunize their children and shield them from the deadly disease.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung, and can be caused by nearly any class of organism known to cause human infections. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
It is also the most common fatal infection acquired by already hospitalized patients. In developing countries, pneumonia ties with diarrhea as the most common cause of death.
Dr Rodelyn Agbulos, chief of the Zamboanga City Health Office, said the increasing numbers of pneumonia cases, many in infants, was noted since July.
“We advice the public to take good care of their health and to practice good personal hygiene, parents must allow their children to be immunized in health centers, and to maintain a good and balanced nutrition and exercise regularly to enhance the immune system,” Agbulos told the Mindanao Examiner.
Antibiotics are usually given since most pneumonia cases are associated with bacterial infection. It is also important that the proper antibiotic is taken at the correct dosage, time and duration. Inability to do so may lead to resistant organisms that are more difficult to treat.
Agbulos said health workers have intensified their campaign in different villages to educate parents about the importance of immunizations and children’s health care. (Erico Rosco)
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