BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Provincial Health Office urged the public to take proactive measures against Dengue during the Tuesday Program at the Provincial Plaza on June 18, 2024.
According to Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Carolyn D. Yawan, the month of June marks the observance of the National Dengue Awareness Month with a theme, “Connect with Community, Control Dengue.”
Yawan explained that Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease that is caused by dengue virus. Its symptoms include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and characteristic skin rash. Yawan said that these symptoms typically manifest three to 14 days after infection.
As an effective action to prevent and control Dengue, Yawan urged all the attendees of the program to be one with their office in practicing and promoting the 5S-strategy against Dengue.
These strategies include: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites by covering water drums and pails, replacing water in flower vases at least once a week, cleaning gutters of leaves and debris, and collecting and disposing all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and other items that collect and hold water; self-protection measures through daily use of mosquito repellent and wearing of light-colored clothes, long sleeves and long pants; seek early consultation from nearest health care facilities upon manifestation of symptoms; say yes to fogging; and sustain hydration.
“In the spirit of awareness, let’s all work together to prevent and control the spread of dengue virus by following these simple but effective 5S-strategy against Dengue,” Yawan encouraged.
Meanwhile, PHO Annie Claire B. Pekas, together with nurse Nestor A. Gao-an, were one in encouraging the provincial government employees to help save lives by taking part in the upcoming blood-letting/donating activity which is to be held at the Multi-Purpose Hall on June 20, 2024.
The activity will be conducted by the Provincial Health Office, Bontoc General Hospital, Provincial Department of Health, and the Philippine Red Cross–Mountain Province Chapter. By HENT