ILOILO City – Aside from coronavirus disease 2019, this southern city is also fending off dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Between January and July 24 this year, 218 dengue cases have been recorded – 14 percent higher than the 191 cases logged in the same period last year, data from the City Health Office – City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CHO-CESU) showed.
CESU data further showed that among the districts here, Mandurriao had the most number of dengue cases with 41 followed by Jaro with 40. The districts of La Paz recorded 37; Molo, 31; City Proper, 29; Arevalo, 27; and Lapuz, 13.
“This rainy season, the threat of dengue is rising,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
He called on Ilonggos to intensify anti-dengue activities like massive cleanup operations to get rid of the breeding places of day-biting Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the vectors of dengue.
“The strengthened safety and preventive measures are urgent amid the increasing deadly mosquito-borne disease,” Treñas said.
To combat dengue, the city government urged the city residents to implement the 4S strategy:
* search and destroy breeding places
* self-protection measures
* seek early consultation
* say “yes” to fogging only during outbreaks
Treñas also emphasized the roles of barangay officials in the campaign. Yesterday he had a virtual meeting with 180 barangay captains on dengue.
Meanwhile, the CHO will distribute larvicide to kill mosquito larvae.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal. Its carrier mosquitoes live and breed in clean, stagnant water.
Individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) 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.( With a report from City PIO/PN)
