Local health authorities are now bracing for the expected increase in dengue fever and food borne illnesses, aside from dealing with the present Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to ensure that the situation will still be under control to avoid compromising the health care system and stressing the frontliners.
City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo reported that with the frequent afternoon rains, the breeding ground of dengue-carrying mosquitoes will be enhanced because of the presence of unattended containers that will be filled with clear and stagnant water, thus, the need for the residents to be consistent in their efforts to destroy the breeding ground of the said mosquitoes to prevent the possible increase in dengue fever cases.
She added that people should consistently monitor the identified breeding grounds of the dengue-carrying mosquitoes for these to be immediately destroyed after the frequent afternoon rains to prevent the possible increase in dengue cases that might contribute in complicating the existing situation of the local health care system which had been impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
On the other hand, Galpo also reminded residents to be wary of the prevalence of food borne illnesses because the heat of the summer season could cause easy spoilage of food.
The medical officer advised the people to ensure they will not unnecessarily contract illnesses that might weaken their immune system that could make them prone to contract the deadly virus.
According to her, the City Health Services Office (CHSO) continues to perform other health related functions aside from closely monitoring the latest updates on the COVID cases in the city and the implementation of vaccination pursuant to the list of priority sectors provided by the inter-agency task force for the management of emerging infectious diseases.
Galpo urged residents to immediately seek medical attention from the nearest district health center or health facility when they are not feeling well for proper diagnosis to avoid their situation from getting worse because there are common symptoms of the deadly virus, dengue and other illnesses.
She advised residents to continue strengthening their immune system with the right kind of food for them to avoid contracting illnesses that might compromise their health, especially during the present time that the COVID pandemic is still within our midst.
Aside from ensuring that one’s immune system is strong, the city health officer further advised that everyone must still strictly adhere to the basic health and safety protocols, such as the wearing of face masks and shields, observe physical distancing and practice personal hygiene and regular disinfection as these are still among the feasible ways to prevent them from contracting and transmitting the virus.
Galpo stipulated that health workers still remain steadfast in the discharging their assigned duties and responsibilities to ensure that the residents will be protected from illnesses that might compromise their health. By Dexter A. See
