SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) in the Ilocos Region provided P31.5 million worth of anti-dengue supplies to local government units (LGUs) to bolster vector control efforts in their communities.
The turnover ceremony, held on July 12, 2024, in Bauang, La Union, included misting machines, backpack sprayers, insecticides, and olyset nets.
“These supplies are intended to supplement LGUs’ misting operations, but only when necessary,” said DOH-Region 1 Regional Director, Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco.
She emphasized that misting machines are only a secondary measure to eliminate adult dengue-carrying mosquitoes, not the larvae.
“The most effective way to stop the spread of dengue is to follow the 4S of DOH’s Anti-Dengue Campaign: Search and destroy, Secure self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging/spraying,” Dr. Sydiongco explained.
“Maintaining a clean environment to prevent mosquito breeding is crucial. Preventive and control actions must start with us. Together with our partners and stakeholders in health, we can stop the spread and eliminate dengue in our communities,” she added.
A total of 44 pressurized battery-operated blower and sprayer ultra-low volume machines (each worth P441,000), 600 bottles of insecticide (P13,225/bottle), and 300 olyset nets (P14,000 each) were distributed.
Dr. Rheuel C. Bobis, head of the Regional Communicable Disease Prevention Unit, stressed the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds as the most effective way to control dengue.
“Let’s continue our community clean-up activities and start cleaning around our houses to prevent dengue,” he said.
Dr. Bobis clarified that only LGUs with a reported rise in cases received supplies for their anti-dengue efforts.
He assured that the remaining LGUs would also be provided with supplies soon.
The LGUs that received the supplies include:
- Pangasinan: Balungao, Bugallon, Lingayen, Bayambang, Binmaley, Calasiao, Labrador, Infanta, and Manaoag
- La Union: Agoo, San Fernando City, Bauang, Naguilian, Tubao, and Rosario
- Ilocos Sur: Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, Tagudin, Candon City, and Alilem
- Ilocos Norte: Adams, Sarrat, Batac City, Piddig, Pagudpud, Badoc, San Nicolas, Solsona, Laoag City, Carasi, Pinili, Bacarra, Dingras, Pasuquin, Currimao, Burgos, Marcos, Bangui, Paoay, and Vintar
DOH Administrative Order No. 2018-0021 recommends fogging or spraying in areas with a recorded increase in cases for two consecutive weeks to prevent impending outbreaks. (AMB/PIA Region 1)
