BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health – Cordillera (DOH-CAR) remind anew the strict implementation of the “4-S” strategy to combat dengue amid the spike in cases and in observance of National Dengue Awareness Month this June.
The DOH-CAR reported continuous increase in dengue fever cases in the region. From January 1 to May 2022, dengue cases increased by 370 percent with 1,700 cases compared to the 361 reported in the same period last year.
Except for Abra, Cordillera provinces have reached or exceeded the alert and epidemic dengue threshold. The province of Apayao reported the highest increase in dengue cases with 3,676% or 491 cases compared to the 13 cases logged in the same period last year. Kalinga followed with 1,215% increase with 263 cases against the 20 cases last year.
To help prevent and control dengue inside and outside the home, DOH-CAR Assistant Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan reiterated the 4-S strategy against dengue that the public should practice.
The 4-S stands for Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.
“Search and destroy breeding sites of mosquitoes. The rains have come and maraming mga accumulated rain water sa mga households, inside and outside, so dapat tumbahin ang mga ito,” she said.
To prevent mosquito bites, there is a need for self-protection by wearing long sleeves and long pants, and by planting citronella around to repel the dengue-carrying mosquito, she added.
Pangilinan also reminded that if symptoms of dengue are evident, one should seek early consultation.
“If they have already fever, rashes, and the other symptoms, dapat ma-screen, ma-diagnose ‘yung mga ‘yan, and proper treatment will be instituted.”
She also emphasized to support fogging or spraying to be done only in hotspot areas.
Health authorities continue to remind the public to always maintain clean surroundings especially this rainy season. **JDP/DEG-PIA CAR
