BACOLOD City – This city logged two dengue-related deaths from the beginning of the year to Aug. 7, with a total case count of 159, according to the City Health Office (CHO).
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environmental Sanitation Division, did not disclose the ages of those who died but said the cases were lower than the 250 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Barangay Estefania has the highest recorded cases at 23, followed by Tangub (16), Singcang-Airport and Villamonte (14 each), Taculing and Mansilingan (10 each), Barangay 35 and Pahanocoy (eight each), Alijis (five), and Bata (four).
Tan said the barangays of Pahanocoy, Villamonte, Bata, Estefania, Tangub, Mansilingan, and Vista Alegre were observed to have clustering of dengue cases in four weeks before Aug. 7.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease characterized by high fever accompanied by severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rashes.
Despite the 36.4 percent decline in cases, the CHO continues to take steps to curb the mosquito-borne viral infection.
The CHO initiated recoridas, fogging, or spraying in areas where dengue cases had been reported. In addition, larvicides were distributed in affected communities.
Tan urged the public to observe the “4S” to combat dengue. “4S” stands for “Search and destroy”, “use of Self-protective measures,” “Seek early treatment ” and“ Say yes to fogging/spraying.”
Under the first “S”, all probable breeding places of mosquitoes, like containers with stagnant water, must be searched and destroyed.
The second “S”, urges individuals to wear long sleeves and long pants, apply mosquito repellants, and use mosquito nets or screens as self-protective measures.
The third “S”, encourages the public to seek early treatment by going to the nearest health facility when dengue symptoms show. The public is also advised to take plenty of fluids.
The fourth “S” promotes fogging and spraying in areas with clustering of dengue cases./PN
