BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Municipal Health Office (MHO) has reported a concerning rise in dengue cases, with a total of 192 cases recorded from January to August 5, 2024.
The highest number of dengue cases with 42 was recorded in Barangay Samoki, followed closely by Barangay Guina-ang with 37 cases. Bontoc Ili has recorded 28, Caluttit-24, Poblacion -22, Alab Oriente-one, Alab Proper -three, Balili-one, Bayyo-one, Caneo-three, Dalican-five, Gonogon-five, Mainit-seven, Maligcong- three, Talubin-five, and Tocucan -five.
It is to be noted that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Mountain Province, chaired by Vice Governor Francis Tauli, has declared the province under a state of calamity due to a surge in mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue and chikungunya during their regular session on July 29, 2024. The declaration of Mountain Province under the State of Calamity shall allow the government to access emergency funds and resources to effectively manage and control the outbreak. Among these are strengthening disease surveillance and control measures, implementing public awareness campaigns to prevent further spread, and other actions to be undertaken to manage and control the outbreak.
The said information was relayed by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Diga Kay Gomez during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol grounds on August 5, 2024.
Also, she relayed the actions being undertaken by Bontoc MHO in collaboration with the partner stakeholders as she solicited everyone’s cooperation and support by following the 5S Against Dengue.
In the previous months and weeks, the MHO, in collaboration with partner stakeholders, have conducted prevention, control, and management of mosquito-borne diseases efforts in the different barangays of Bontoc.
Among these initiatives, health workers in this capital town have doubled their efforts on the prevention, control, and management of mosquito-borne diseases and heightened their campaign on health and nutrition as they go to different barangays.
On August 7, 2024, personnel from the MHO along with the nurse from the Department of Education (DepEd) – Bontoc District brought quality health care and nutrition services to the villagers in Barangays Talubin and Bayyo, Bontoc, Mountain Province. Among the activities conducted include deworming to school children and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns on proper nutrition, dengue and chikungunya.
In their continuous IEC campaign, health workers advised the public is strongly advised to follow the 5S anti-dengue method: Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, Secure safe protection measures, Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days, Say yes to fogging during outbreaks, and Sustain hydration.
In a separate interview, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in homes and backyards. He urged residents to dispose of tin cans, jars, and bottles that can collect and hold water, cover water drums and pails, replace water in flower vases, and clear roof gutters to prevent mosquito breeding. By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay & Christy Mae C. Pangesfan
