DOH Reiterates Public Advisory to Clean Surroundings as Dengue Cases Remains High

BY: CARLITO C. DAR

BAGUIO CITY, Sept. 10 (PIA) - - The Department of Health reminds the public to clean their surroundings and get rid of possible dengue mosquito breeding sites as dengue cases remain high in the region.

DOH Center for Health and Development - Cordillera (DOH-CHD-CAR) Dengue Control Program Coordinator Dr. Alexei Marrero, in a recent media forum, disclosed  that from January to August 31, records from the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) show  5,761 dengue cases. The figure is  43 percent increase compared to the 4,039 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Benguet, Kalinga and Baguio City recorded the most number of cases with 1,598, 1,519 and 1050 cases, respectively. Abra has  510 cases, Mountain Province - 333, and Ifugao – 329. All  areas  recorded an increase compared to the 2012 data with the cases in Benguet and Baguio City  even more than doubled.

DOH data also shows clustering of cases in 75 barangays all over the region, mostly in Baguio City and several Benguet towns including the capital town of La Trinidad.

Marrero  also reported that  eight dengue-related deaths were already recorded in the region - a 61 year old male from Mankayan, Benguet; a 7 year old female in Bucay, Abra; three children (1 girl and two boys)  ages 5 and below in Tabuk City, Kalinga; a 80 year old man from Natonin,  and  a 29 year old female in Bauko,  Mountain Province, and a 36 year old male from Itogon, Benguet.

With the increase in cases  involving  both sexes and of various ages, Marrero urged   the public to take advantage of the fair weather and clean their surroundings, both inside their homes, backyards and nearby surroundings,  to  get rid of possible dengue mosquito breeding sites.

“Prevention is still better than cure”, Marrero stressed.

Marrero  also reiterated the health department’s advocacy of “Four O’ Clock” habit, wherein people should stop whatever they are doing and take time to clean, especially open containers including tin cans and  caps, as well as plants that accumulate water.

He also reminded  the public of the 4S against Dengue namely: Search and Destroy possible dengue mosquito breeding sites, Self-protection, Seek early treatment and Say no to indiscriminate fogging. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)