BACOLOD City – In response to a steady rise in dengue cases this rainy season, the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) is intensifying its campaign to promote individual responsibility in eradicating mosquito breeding sites.
Dr. Grace Tan, chief of the CHO’s Environment Sanitation Division, emphasized the role of household-level cleanliness in combating the spread of the disease.
“Ultimately, the battle against dengue begins within our homes,” Tan said, pointing out that the most common breeding grounds for mosquitoes are standing water in uncovered containers both inside and outside residences.
She urged residents to be vigilant, especially after rainfalls, to check for and eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes and their larvae, locally referred to as pitik-pitik, thrive.
The CHO has also reiterated the importance of adhering to the “5S” strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding areas; self-protection measures; support fogging or spraying in areas where cases cluster; staying hydrated; and seeking early treatment for symptoms.
Recent statistics from the CHO indicate a 19.1 percent decrease in dengue cases from January 1 to June 8 this year, with 165 reported instances and no fatalities. This marks a significant drop from the 204 cases and two deaths recorded during the same period last year.
The neighborhoods of Taculing, Mansilingan, and Banago reported the highest incidences, with Taculing and Mansilingan consistently topping the list for the past three weeks. Other affected areas include Estefania, Tangub, Cabug, Alijis, Vista Alegre, and Mandalagan.
With the upcoming school year, the CHO is also prepared to conduct fogging operations upon request from educational institutions. However, Dr. Tan clarified that proactive fogging would be conducted in schools identified with dengue cases regardless of formal requests. Additionally, she encouraged barangays to organize community clean-up drives to further reduce the risk of dengue, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective action in addressing the public health threat./PN
