ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — As the rainy season begins, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in the MIMAROPA region is urging the public to prepare for the increase of dengue cases, particularly during the months of July, August and September, and observe the “5S strategy.”
Dr. Mario S. Baquilod, Regional Director of DOH-CHD MIMAROPA, emphasized during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on July 2, the importance of information dissemination and preventive actions in combating dengue.
5S strategy includes Search and destroy, Self-protection measures, Seeking early consultation, Support fogging or spraying during outbreaks, and Sustained hydration.Among these, Dr. Baquilod highlighted the effectiveness of the “Search and Destroy” method, which involves locating and eliminating mosquito breeding areas such as stagnant water in bottles, as it incurs no cost.
DOH Mimaropa’s latest report showed that there have been 3,603 dengue cases in the region from January to June 26, a 38 percent decrease from the 5,811 cases reported during the same period last year.
Palawan recorded the highest number of cases at 1,571, followed by Oriental Mindoro with 1,417 cases. Meanwhile, Occidental Mindoro reported 309 cases, Romblon had 211 cases, and Marinduque had 95 cases. The dengue virus claimed 28 lives so far this year.
He noted that the highest dengue cases have been observed in Palawan, particularly in Puerto Princesa, and in Oriental Mindoro, specifically in Calapan City.In preparation, Baquilod said that their Department has prepositioned equipment in different areas in the region to fight against the dengue virus.
“As early as now, we have prepositioned equipment for spraying in communities and distributed mosquito nets to schools and hospitals,” Baquilod told the media. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
