Dengue on the rise

Health authorities have raised alarm over the increase in dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in the region including Baguio City.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong and City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo advised residents to be on guard against the disease by practicing the 4S strategy: Search and Destroy Mosquito Breeding Places; Self –Protection Measures (use window screens, mosquito nets, wear protective clothing, use insect repellents); Seek Early Consultation; and Say Yes to Fogging in Hotspot Areas Only.

The City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit under Dr. Donnabel Panes recorded a total of 82 dengue cases as reported by Disease Reporting Units in the city from January 1 to March 31, 2022.

“This is a 95.23 percent increase compared to the same period in 2021. There were no fatalities reported. Clustering of cases was observed in Bakakeng Central and San Luis Village barangays.  Age range of the patients is from 9 months to 68 years old.  More than half of the patients were females and most were admitted at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

From April 3-16, the CESU also recorded 15 cases as against the single case listed in the same period last year.

Dept. of Health Cordillera (DOH-CAR) Regional Director Rio Magpantay in a letter dated April 8 alerted the city government on the increasing trend in dengue cases.  He said the region has registered a total of 656 cases and one death as of March 26.

“The regional data reached the alert threshold and thus intensified implementation of the enhanced 4S against this fatal mosquito-borne disease is urged,” Magpantay said.

“It is vital that our constituents are reminded of our 4’oclock habit (i.e. habitual search and destruction of mosquito breeding sites) and reminding mechanisms should be reinstated like the use of siren, bell, bandillo.  Barangay officials are also urged to lead in the dengue prevention and control measures,” he added.The city’s district health centers have been mobilized to conduct an information campaign in their areas of coverage, according to Galpo. – Aileen P. Refuerzo