CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – Noting on the rise of dengue cases every two years in Northern Mindanao, Department of Health-Research Epidemiology Surveillance, and Disaster Response Unit in the region calls for community’s involvement in controlling the spread of the disease.
“We can’t do it alone, we need the people to imbibe and practice the 4S strategy in dengue prevention which stands for Search and destroy the possible breeding place of Aedes aegypti, Seek early consultation, Self-protective measures and Say no to indiscriminate fogging,” said DOH-RESDRU region 10 cluster head, Dr. David Mendoza.
He said that the public should not be complacent, because even in the months from January to March, which is a dry season, posted increased cases of dengue.
Mendoza explained this is also because in areas with less water, uncovered water containers have also become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“As we are now in the onset of rainy season, I am appealing to everyone to be careful also with other diseases common during the period like cholera, leptospirosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis, and other vector borne diseases,” he added.
Meanwhile, the DOH for their part through RESDRU is monitoring and recording closely suspected dengue cases in the region.
He calls it “data in action,” it’s provided weekly to partners at the local level to be able to respond immediately if ever clustering of cases have been noted on their area.
A dengue quick response team is likewise being organized in 18 local health zones, while the DOH is also strengthening the “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABaKaDa) to stir up community action. (Jorie C. Valcorza/PIA-10)