Baguio braces for hike in Dengue, food borne illnesses

25 March 2021 – Local health authorities are now bracing for the expected increase in dengue fever and food borne illnesses aside from dealing with the present Corona Virus Disease (COVID) 2019 pandemic.

City Health Officer Dr. Rowena Galpo said that with the frequent afternoon rains, the breeding ground of dengue-carrying mosquitoes will be enhanced due to unattended containers that will be filled with clear and stagnant water.

She encouraged residents to be consistent in their clean-up efforts to destroy the breeding ground of mosquitoes and prevent the possible increase in dengue fever cases.

She added that if increase in dengue cases will not be prevented, this 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 of the summer season that cause food to be easily spoiled.

The medical officer claimed that people should ensure that they will not unnecessarily contract illnesses that might weaken their immune system.

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 that was 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 so that they will be properly diagnosed to avoid their situation from getting worse because there are common symptoms of COVID, dengue and other illnesses.

“Continue ensuring that your immune system is strong by eating the right kind of food to avoid contracting whatever illnesses that might cause your health condition from being compromised, especially during the present time that the COVID pandemic is still within our midst,” Galpo said.

Aside from ensuring that one’s immune system is strong, the city health officer asserted that people must still strictly adhere to the prevailing implementation of 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 the same 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 whatever illnesses that might compromise their health condition in the future. – Dexter A. See