BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – The City Government of Baguio, through the Baguio City Anti – Dengue Committee (BCADC) is intensifying its bio-surveillance of dengue cases to slow down the increasing trend especially with the upcoming dengue peak months from June to August.
City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) head Dr. Donnabel Panes reported a total of 260 cases were recorded from January 1 to April 20 this year, up from the 195 cases recorded during the same period last year. Clustering or those with three or more cases was also noted in five barangays in the city.
To intensify case surveillance, the City Health Services Office through the CESU is working on data information system that will not only capture cases from city hospitals and health facilities, but will also include private laboratories that are offering blood testing for dengue suspect cases.
A self – reporting system using a QR(quick-response) code will also be utilized for a better bio – surveillance of cases since some individuals with dengue symptoms are self-medicating and are outpatient.
The City HSO will also intensify information education and communication campaign to on dengue, in cooperation with the Baguio Public Information Office, the Philippine Information Agency and the Association of Barangay Councils.
BCADC Chairperson Mayor Benjamin Magalong calls for a strengthened collaboration among the committee members and the city barangays in the fight against dengue.
Magalong reiterated his directive on “Denguerra,” the city’s clean up campaign against possible dengue mosquito breeding sites conducted every Thursday.
The mayor also calls for a strengthened bio – surveillance of dengue cases, so that anti – dengue drive can be efficiently conducted in the right places.
The Department of Health – Cordillera earlier reiterated its call for the public to be wary of dengue as regional data show 1,145 cases and three deaths, one each from Abra, Apayao, and Baguio City, were recorded from January 1 to April 20 this year. Increase in cases was noted in Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Baguio City and Mountain Province. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
