The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) recommends intensifying the campaign against dengue at barangay level following a case surge of the mosquito-borne disease.
CHO head, Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli called on barangay officials to lead residents in conducting measures against dengue, such as the 4 o’clock habit, which is to search and destroy mosquito-breeding places, especially this rainy season.
Gensoli said reviving the measure will bring awareness to the residents, and this will remind them of the importance of clean surroundings to fight the spread of the mosquito-borne illness.
Through the 4 o’clock habit campaign, residents are encouraged to clean their surroundings, including stagnant canals and empty open water containers, every 4:00 p.m. daily to eliminate potential breeding sites for dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
The CHO is partnering with barangays in conducting its anti-dengue campaign, which includes fogging and spraying where there are clustering of cases.
Meanwhile, 1,448 dengue cases were recorded in Bacolod as of September 21, data from the CHO showed.
This is 245 percent higher than the 419 cases reported in the same period last year.
Three individuals have died from dengue, CHO said.
Barangay Taculing has the highest number of dengue cases with 171, followed by Bata (136), Mansilingan (107), Estefania (106), and Villamonte (100), Granada and Aljis (70 each), Sum-ag (68), Mandalagan (67), Tangub (64), Cabug (60), Singcang-Airport (56), and Banago (54).
Local health officials continue to remind the residents to implement the 4S strategy against dengue, which includes:
* Search and destroy mosquito-breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and containers
* Self-protection measures like applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants
* Seek early consultation with a doctor or health worker for any symptoms
* Support fogging or spraying in a local hotspot or outbreak areas where an increase in cases is registered
Dengue is spread by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, and causes a severe flu-like illness that can sometimes be fatal.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees Celsius) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea/vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.
For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./WDJ