LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, May (PIA) — The Department of Health reiterates the regular practice of cleanliness in the surroundings and the importance of community participation in the fight against dengue following the upsurge of dengue cases in the province.
The Provincial Health Office reported a significant increase in dengue cases from January to April this year with 201 cases including one fatality compared to 72 cases registered during the same period last year.
The capital town of La Trinidad registered the highest cases with 85. A notable increase was also recorded in Mankayan from 23 to 43 cases, Itogon from seven to 23 cases and Kapangan from eight to 13 cases.
As to sex and age distribution, there were more males than females with 117 and 84 reported cases, respectively. Most of the cases belong to ages 1-24 years old.
PHO Rural Health Physician Dr. Jocelyn Legaspi shared that there was a notable decrease of dengue suspected cases with only 730 during the calendar year 2017 compared to the 4,014 cases recorded in 2016. The decrease was attributed to increased awareness in the community.
Department of Health-Cordillera Medical Officer IV Dr. Alexei Marrero said the control of the proliferation of mosquitoes which are the sources of diseases such as dengue is attributed to sustainability and consistency in the barangay and the community as well.
Marrero cited the case of cleaning the surroundings which is not a problem if there is an outbreak in the community. However, this is not sustained if there are no cases. Likewise, the search and destruction of breeding areas in the barangays which is supposed to be conducted regularly is not consistently being implemented.
He reiterated some ways in eliminating breeding sites such as getting rid of waste around the home especially used tires, covering of water tanks and wells, emptying and covering of pools, and getting rid of standing water on flat roofs and outdoor plant saucers. Regularly doing such steps two to three times a week will greatly help in controlling the proliferation of mosquitoes, he explained.
To protect oneself from being bitten by the aedes mosquitoes, among the ways recommended are the wearing of loose clothing that cover arms and legs, application of mosquito repellant to exposed skin, sleeping under a mosquito net even during the day, and putting mosquito screens on windows.
The aedes mosquitoes are carriers not only of dengue but also zika, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis .**By Susan C. Aro
