SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – The municipal government through the Municipal Health Office (MHO) has strengthened its move against dengue virus to respond to the increase in reported number of cases in the municipality for the period January to August, 2024.
Mayor Evelyn Martinez, in her previous talks, said the data on dengue is very alarming since the municipality has already recorded 227 dengue cases as of August this year, constituting 21.03 percent of the 1,079 reported cases in the whole province of Apayao.
Martinez said preventive measures are necessary to safeguard residents, encouraging them to adhere and cooperate with the campaign against dengue.
Reports from MHO during the Local Health Board meeting on September 16, showed several major activities were implemented as part of dengue control and response across the municipality. One of these included the destruction of the identified breeding sites of mosquitoes like stocked Tires, plastic containers, tin cans, rock holes, plant axils, pails/drums, coconut shells, and bamboo/banana stumps.
Furthermore, 74 rolls of Olyset treated net curtains were distributed to 30 schools primarily to child development centers, elementary and secondary schools. Space spraying in all households in barangays San Carlos and Marcela was also done.
MHO Dr. Myolaine Hilario reiterated the relevance of 4S (Search and Destroy, Secure Self Protection, Seek Early Consultation, Support Spraying in Hotspot areas) to prevent the threat of dengue infection advising residents to regularly do them. By Arjay Baysa
