War against Dengue still on

Several barangays went on with Denguerra (war against Dengue) last Thursday despite the fear of aftershocks of Wednesday’s quake.

According to the Health Services Office (HSO) Sanitary Inspection Division head Engr. Charles Carame, the intensive search and destroy were household and barangay-based, citing efforts to lessen Dengue cases; and without assistance from other groups.

Most agencies keen on search and destroy efforts opted to stay put after the intensity 7.0 earthquake emanating from an Abra faultline.

During the management committee meeting Tuesday morning, HSO head Dr. Rowena Galpo reported that 64 barangays have clustered Dengue cases, from 53 a week ago. As of July 25, there are 25 new cases; and 1,257 cases with two deaths as compared with 641 the same period last year. Last year, however, there were 6 deaths.

Dr. Galpo said that there is a down trend of Dengue cases since there were 184 cases on week 26 which ended on July 2; on week 27 – 174 cases; week 28 – 157 cases; and week 29 – 117 cases.

A decrease in cases after more than a month of Denguerra; the intensive search and destruction of mosquito breeding sites, signifies effectiveness of the activity.

The General Services Office’ collection of used tires, which are seen to harbor mosquito breeding places, is also up to 2,420 from 43 barangays.

As to observation of less Dengue cases and few breeding sites in several barangays, it was attributed to good local leadership; supervised, monitored and regular barangay-based clean-ups; involvement of the barangay officials and even TUPAD beneficiaries doing intensive search, destroy and Oplan Taob.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong mentioned that barangays with good practices in reducing or not having Dengue cases shall be honored during city hall’s regular flag raising ceremonies. – Julie F. Fianza