BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA) — Health and local authorities continue to strengthen information education campaign and conduct preventive measures against dengue fever amid the high cases in the province.
The Provincial Health Office has recorded 1,800 cases since the start of the year, consistently rising in May and peaking in July. This prompted the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, on the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, to declare state of calamity to allow the provincial government to access emergency funds and resources to effectively manage and control the outbreak.
The activities include strengthening disease surveillance and control measures, providing medical assistance to affected individuals, and implementing public awareness campaigns to prevent further spread.
The municipal health offices in the province are spearheading efforts against mosquito-borne diseases, in collaboration with other government agencies and stakeholders. Information and education campaigns are focused on protecting oneself and your loved ones by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using repellent.
A core message is that it might just be a little bite but it’s dangerous. They encourage the public to practice the 5S against mosquito-borne infections, namely; Search and destroy breeding sites; Self-protection from mosquito bites; Seek early medical consultation; Support fogging in areas with clustering of cases, and Sustain hydration. Moreover, be observant of symptoms of dengue that include high fever (40°C/104°F),severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rashes. Should an individual had high fever for two days and develop any of the warning signs, seek medical attention. Tactical operations such as Oplan Taob are being conducted in the barangays, and indoor residual spraying in some flagged areas or barangays with high cases.
Meanwhile, with the recent opening of classes, Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr issued on August 12 Executive Order No. 33, series of 2024, suspending the use of skirt uniform and mandating the use of long pants in schools and offices as a preventive measure against the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in the province. With dengue rising with rains, the public is advised to remain vigilant against mosquito and water-borne diseases. (VJLT-PIA CAR, Mountain Province)
