Filariasis alert up in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Health officials in Zamboanga del Norte have issued an alert for filariasis cases in the province.

The regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) said many residents, mostly farmers, had been afflicted with the disease. 

“This is very alarming,” said Sitti Nurussamsi Casalim-Amilasan, DOH-9 filariasis program medical coordinator.

Amilasan said the affected towns include Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon, Baliguian and Katipunan.  

The DOH official said they would conduct a mass drug administration to prevent the spread of the mosquito-born disease.