TABUK CITY, Kalinga – While there is no reported death, the City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU) said dengue cases in the city rose sharply when compared to last year with 879 dengue cases being logged this year from Jan. 1 to Sept. 7, almost triple of last year’s record of the same period, which saw 318 cases, CESU records show.
“The cases reached its peak three weeks ago with 148 recorded cases, and we are down to 54 cases in the last seven days. Hopefully the cases will continue to decline,” Celeste Mia Diasen, CESU Assistant Coordinator said.
Among the top five barangays with high number of cases is Bulanao, Diasen said. Others are Malin-awa, Amlao, Agbannawag and Nambucayan, respectively.
Diasen linked the rising cases of dengue this time of the year to the rainy season as aedes aegypti, known vector of dengue virus, have more places to breed as rain waters are stored in uncovered or unused containers like bottles, tins, tires, and drums.
To combat the increase in cases, the City Health Services Office continuously conducts information dissemination to the city’s barangays, reminding them to keep on cleaning their surroundings and rid of mosquito breeding sites.
Fogging is also being conducted to barangays with high cases. But while fogging kill flying mosquitoes, it does not prevent mosquitoes from re-entering the treated area, so everyday cleaning is most effective in getting rid of dengue mosquitos, Diasen said.
The public is also reminded of the “5S” strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, use self-protection measures, seek early consultation, stay hydrated, and say yes to fogging where needed.
Diasen also advised the public to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and seek medical consultation at the Rural Health Units when having fever for early detection and proper management. By Rod Asurin
