MOH activate Emergency Operation Plan
By: L.N. Reklai
May 26, 2017 (Koror, Palau) Ministry of Health upgraded Palau from dengue fever outbreak status to dengue epidemic status yesterday, activating Ministry of Health Hospital and Public Health Emergency Operation plan in response to growing number of dengue cases in Palau.
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In a memorandum to President Tommy Remengesau Jr., Ministry of Health Incident Command states that the declaration is necessary in order to prevent further transmissions of the dengue and mobilize resources combat further cases of this virus.
Steep rise in dengue cases from 150 in November to 195 in May, 45 cases reported in one month, 3 deaths in past few months and majority of the cases being Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever cases, mandate urgent public response, according to Ministry of Health Incident Command.
Ministry of Health organized Incident Command System and on May 25th Public Health Emergency Operation Plan was activated to strengthen a unified front to combat emergency Dengue Fever Outbreak operation.
Public outreach efforts are ongoing to provide appropriate information on dengue fever prevention and spreading of infections. Engagement of public leaders, both state and national as well as other agencies is going on. Surveillance, community-wide clean up and prevention measures are also on-going.
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