PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – The Zamboanga del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office urged the public to take protective measures against dengue and rabies during the media forum held at Hotel Guillermo, in this city.
25 media practitioners attended the event, highlighting the ongoing dengue and rabies alert in the province.
The discussion included dengue prevention, rabies control, and the national rabies prevention program, which focused on key facts about Aedes-borne viral diseases and the 4S/5S strategy.
“Early consultation or detection and access to proper medical care greatly lower fatality rates of severe complications,” said Provincial Health Manager Jionnel P. Lumbay of the IPHO.
He presented updates on Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika, including the diseases’ treatment, vaccines, and the importance of prevention and control.
A total of 2,844 dengue cases were recorded in Zamboanga del Sur for the year 2024, significantly higher as compared to the total 2,252 dengue cases in the previous year, 2023.
On the other hand, surveillance on Chikungunya cases noted a similar alarming increase with the 218 cases this year, as compared to the 28 cases reported last 2023.
These viral infections are spread by mosquitoes and cause symptoms like fever, pain, and rashes, with Zika posing a risk of birth defects during pregnancy.
“Since there is no specific treatment or vaccine, prevention through mosquito control and early medical care is crucial,” Lumbay added, highlighting the 4S and 5S Health Advisory on dengue to raise immediate awareness and prompt a response to the public health threat.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
Meanwhile, Kurt Bryan D. Larubis, IPHO nurse, underscored some facts about rabies, what to do if bitten by an animal carrying the said disease; and ways to stay safe from it.
“Tandaan ang pinakamainam na gawin kung sakaling nakagat ng aso o hayop na may rabies ay magpabakuna agad bago pa lumabas ang mga sintomas nito,” he said.
(Remember, it is best to get vaccinated when bitten by a dog or any animal as soon as possible before symptoms of rabies appear.)
The forum hoped to facilitate an effective platform as a means of communication between public health officials and the media to enhance community awareness and engagement. (EDT/HTB/EAM/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)
