BONTOC, Mountain Province – With the unpredictable weather conditions experienced now and typhoons hitting the country from time to time, the public is reminded to take precautions against the killer dengue.
Municipal Health Officer Dr.Diga Kay Gomez reported that there were thirty dengue cases recorded from January to June 2023. This was part of her report during the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting on June 21, 2023, at Barangay Gonogon, Bontoc, Mountain Province.
Of the total dengue cases, Barangays Bontoc Ili and Caluttit recorded the highest with eight each, Poblacion- six, Samoki-four, and one each for Alab Proper, Dalican, Maligcong, and Talubin.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue fever- a mosquito-borne viral disease can lead to severe illness and life-threatening conditions. Accordingly, dengue fever has already become a year-round illness because of the ability of dengue-carrying mosquitoes to thrive in either dirty or clear and stagnant water stored in various containers.
With this, the public is advised to follow and put into practice the 5S anti-dengue method. The 5S stands for Search and destroy mosquito breeding places; Safe protection measures; Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days; Say yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak; and Sustained Hydration.
It is to be noted the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Municipal Health Office in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) – Provincial Office, Provincial Health Office (PHO), Rural Health Midwives (RHMs), Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), barangay officials, and other partner stakeholders have been conducting continuous massive Information Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign to the different barangays on the preventive measures of dengue. Likewise, Oplan Taob in different barangays is being done.
Relative to the Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who is also the Chairperson of the MPOC solicited the commitment and participation of the community especially in the maintenance of a clean and healthy environment.
“While the government is doubling its effort in the fight against dengue, it cannot do it alone. It needs the support of the public by taking action,” the mayor added.
Tudlong elaborated that maintaining cleanliness in homes and backyards; disposing tin cans, jars, and bottles that can collect and hold water; covering water drums and pails; replacing water in flower vases; and clearing roof gutters to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes are some ways to prevent dengue.
Also, health officials recommend some Self- protection including wearing long pants and long–sleeved shirts when going out and using mosquito repellant.
Meanwhile, suspected dengue–infected patients are advised to seek treatment if symptoms of high fever, joint, and muscle pain, weakness, skin rashes, nose bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting, dark–colored stools, and breathing problems last for more than two days.