TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Health Services Office (CHSO) has recorded a steep increase in the number of suspected dengue cases in the city. CHSO said that the onset of the rainy season in the country is a contributory factor to the rise of dengue-causing mosquitos.
According to Health Education Promotion Officer Jandel Taguiam, there were 188 cases recorded from January 1 to June 5 in 2022 or equivalent to a 1005 percent increase from only 17 cases recorded in the same period in 2021.
Health officials identified the top three barangays which have the highest number of cases which include Bulanao, Malin-awa and Agbannawag with 31, 26 and 19 recorded cases, respectively.
Alarmed by the situation, the CHSO called on barangays to reactivate their Barangay Dengue Brigade and pass an ordinance implementing the 4 oโclock habit. They also reiterated the importance of the โ4S approachโ which stand for search and destroy of mosquito breeding sites; self- protection measures by wearing long pants and sleeves; seek early consultation; and support of fogging and spraying.
To prevent dengue-carrying mosquitos from multiplying, Taguiam advised the community to keep their surroundings clean, adding that spraying will be ineffective until breeding grounds are removed.ย
The CHSO also advised barangays with high dengue cases to organize a clean-up drive and mist spraying in collaboration with the Sanitation Division, as well as a continuous Information Education Campaign via radio stations and the Tabuk City official Facebook page.
Expecting an increased demand for blood, the CHSO will conduct a mobile blood donation on June 24, Taguiam said.
By Mae-Ann Padilla
