LGUS URGED TO CONDUCT CLEAN-UP DRIVE VS DENGUE

THE Department of Health (DOH)–Ilocos Region urged all local government units to conduct a clean-up drive in their municipalities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites as the country observes Dengue Awareness Month with the theme “Stop the Spread, Sama- Sama nating Sugpuin ang Dengue.” 

The regional office led by the Disease Prevention and Control Section-Communicable Diseases Unit conducted an information and educational campaign to local chief executives and barangay health workers on June 20 in the town of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte and on June 24 in Agoo, La Union.

The move aims to raise public awareness and promote preventive control measures against dengue. 

Medical officer IV and head of the Communicable Disease Prevention Unit Dr. Rhuel Bobis encouraged residents to participate in the dengue prevention efforts of their local government units.

“Ang problema po sa dengue ay mabibigyan ng solusyon sa sama-sama nating pagtutulungan upang masugpo ang mga lamok na nagbibigay ng sakit na ito,” Bobis said.

“Patuloy po naming pinapaalala ang pagsunod sa 4S strategy at ito ay ang Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, paggamit ng Self-Protection gaya ng pagsusuot ng mga long-sleeves at pants at paggamit ng anti-mosquito repellant, Seek consultation kung kayo ay may nararamdamang lagnat at sintomas ng dengue, at Support for fogging kung may outbreak sa inyong lugar,” Bobis emphasized. 

The regional office provided long lasting insecticide treated nets and insecticide for misting operation that were distributed to the different barangays in the municipality of Sarrat. 

A poster-making contest was conducted by the LGU of Agoo, which was participated by representatives from selected barangays. Winners were given cash prizes. 

From January 1-8, 2024, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) recorded a total of 1,047 dengue cases, which is 25.8% lower than the same period last year, with 1,411 cases and with three deaths reported. 

From June 2-8, 2024, a total of 47 cases were reported with Ilocos Sur having the highest number with 27 cases, followed by Pangasinan with 11, La Union – 8 and Dagupan City with 1. The province of Ilocos Norte has 0 case reported. 

Bobis disclosed that children aged 5-9 years are the most affected by dengue because they are vulnerable to the disease as they spend more time playing outside of their homes where they are exposed to mosquitos. 

He also reminded the public that the best way to prevent dengue infection is to protect oneself from mosquito bites. 

The regional health promotion unit also launched the People Centered Activity “Defeat Dengue Drive ng Barangay”in Bgy. Bigbiga, San Fabian, Pangasinan on June 14, 2024, which was participated by 21 out of the 34 barangays who conducted a simultaneous community clean-up drive to eliminate dengue mosquito breeding sites. 

The activity was organized in partnership with Region I Medical Center – Public Health Unit (R1MC-PHU) and the San Fabian LGU.

A total of P35,000 worth of cash prizes were given to the most prepared barangays in fighting dengue. The National Dengue Awareness Month is observe in the month of June to raise awareness about dengue and implement a prevention and control program for the elimination of the disease through collaborative efforts and community engagement