CHSO calls for sustained efforts to Combat Dengue cases
27 August 2021 – Dengue cases are decreasing but the public is advised not to let their guards down and sustain collective community efforts to eliminate breeding sites of mosquitoes.
Per surveillance report of the Baguio City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), a total of 863 dengue cases were recorded from January 1 to August 21, 2021 equivalent to a six-fold increase compared with the same period last year at 123 cases.
Baguio has now seven deaths due to dengue. Ages of cases range from one month old to 90 years old with a median age of 26. Majority of the cases are males at 52.6%.
The following 29 barangays are being monitored for clustering of dengue cases: Pinsao Proper, Pinsao Pilot Project, Lucnab, Asin Road, Camp 7, Sto. Rosario, Irisan, Loakan Liwanag, Loakan Proper, Brookside, Brookspoint, Kias, San Luis, Bakakeng Central, Camp 8, Bakakeng Norte, Atok Trail, Fairview Village, Aurora Hill Proper, South Sanitary Camp, West Bayan Park, Guisad Central, San Antonio Village, Guisad Proper, Happy Hallow, BGH Compound, Poliwes, San Vicente, Lopez Jaena, and St. Joseph Village.
City Epidemiologist Donnabel Panes said clustering of cases is declared in a barangay having more than two dengue cases in a month following the month-long life cycle of a mosquito.
“This is not to discriminate our barangay officials but to heighten the alert and do necessary clean-up measures. Our dengue data also means that people are seeking medical consultations and this is good since medical interventions are delivered averting complication of symptoms,” Panes explained.
Earlier, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong directed barangay officials to conduct a weekly clean-up drive within their areas of jurisdiction to eliminate dengue breeding sites in compliance with the Anti-Dengue Ordinance of the City of Baguio.
The Anti-Dengue Ordinance of Baguio City requires households and business establishments to properly and tightly cover all containers that may accumulate water as these are potential breeding sites of Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The ordinance likewise requires the conduct of proper solid waste management and the elimination of breeding sites.
The health department advocates for the four S strategy against dengue: seek and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; seek early consultation; secure self-protection measures such as wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts as well as a mosquito repellent; and, support fogging/ spraying in hotspot areas.
Dengue virus symptoms include headache, nausea, eye pain, high fever, rashes, muscle and joint pain as well as vomiting. – Jessa Samidan
