KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Soccsksargen has asked residents to step up their efforts in the fight against dengue.
While dengue cases in Region 12 have declined by 35 percent compared to last year, health officials emphasized that continued community action is vital in preventing another outbreak.
Kathleen Gecosala, a DOH-CHD nurse, pointed out that dengue prevention is a shared responsibility.
“We continue to urge local communities, schools, and organizations to participate in regular clean-up drives, spread awareness, and ensure early detection of symptoms,” Gecosala said.
From January to February 25, the DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit recorded 1,531 dengue cases, a decrease from the 2,356 cases reported in the same period last year. But, despite the decline, hotspots such as South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat remain areas of concern.
The DOH has also partnered with local government units to implement enhanced vector control measures including fogging, larviciding, and clean-up initiatives to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds.
Dr. Camille Fugio, the medical officer of DOH-CHD Soccsksargen, explained that dengue has four types, with type 4 being the most severe and life-threatening.
“Dengue cannot spread directly from person to person, but an infected individual can pass the virus to mosquitoes, which then transmit it to others. This makes mosquito control and personal protection crucial in stopping the disease from spreading,” Fugio said.
According to DOH, symptoms are still the same, which include fever, headache, muscle pain, bleeding, gastric pain, and continuous vomiting.
The disease, it said, is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water and is most active in the early morning and before dusk.
The DOH advises the public to prevent dengue by maintaining clean surroundings, avoiding standing water, and seeking immediate medical attention if experiencing dengue-like symptoms.
Until now, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue.
Meanwhile, the DOH said that they are focusing their efforts on high-risk areas, including Barangay Labangal, Calumpang, Apopong, Fatima, San Isidro, and Mabuhay in General Santos City; Poblacion, Kidapawan City in North Cotabato; and Koronadal, Polomolok, and Surallah in South Cotabato.
The DOH is also working closely with LGUs to strengthen reporting and surveillance. Schools, daycare centers, and public spaces are also urged to follow insecticide-treated screen maintenance guidelines.
With dengue cases affecting mostly children aged 5 to 14, the DOH reminds parents to be vigilant and encourages kids to wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and avoid mosquito-prone areas, which can go a long way in safeguarding their health.
“Dengue prevention starts with us. A clean and mosquito-free environment is the best way to protect our families and communities,” Fugio said. (ORVR, PIA Region 12)
