by Perla Lena/PNA
The Department of Health’s Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 6 (Western Visayas) is calling for an enhanced 4S strategy as this year’s dengue cases in the region have reached 3,558 with 17 deaths as of March 2.
The 4S stands for search and destroy; observe self -protection measures; seek early consultation; and say “yes” to fogging.
In a press conference on Monday, DOH-CHD 6 Medical Officer, Dr. Rosemarie T. Lamirez, said they have not been remiss in their obligation, noting that it probably has something to do with the people’s behavior.
“The enhanced 4S of the DOH should be given attention. The cleaning of surroundings should start at home,” she said.
Lamirez attributed the cyclical surge to the people’s mindset that a single cleanup activity is enough when actually it is not. It has to be continuous because mosquitoes lay eggs so long as there is water, she said.
DOH-CHD 6 Entomologist Maria Lourdes M. Monegro said fogging or misting is being done in areas where there are clusters of cases for two consecutive weeks.
“The chemical control is the last (recourse) of our vector control. However, we have no choice because there are adult mosquitoes that bring the virus so they should be killed,” Monegro said.
Prior to fogging or misting, the dengue vector surveillance (DVS) has to be conducted to determine whether a place is at high or low risk, she added.
This year, DOH-CHD 6 has purchased PHP2-million worth of the Delta Methrin to be used for the spray.
In the meantime, the public has been advised to seek early consultation once signs and symptoms of dengue fever appear. These include high-grade fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, rashes, pain behind the eyes, abdominal pain, and bleeding gums.
Monegro said the Dengue NS-1Kit is already available for free in rural health units.
Of the 3,558 cases, the province of Negros Occidental has the highest with 1,245; Iloilo has 623; Capiz, 469; Aklan, 423; Iloilo City, 324; Bacolod City, 301; Antique, 79; Guimaras, 54; and others with 40.
Negros Occidental had eight deaths from January 1 to March 2; Iloilo province, three; Aklan and Iloilo City, two each; and Capiz and Bacolod City, one each.
The highest attack rate was recorded in Aklan while the highest increase was in Guimaras at 671 percent.
Those affected were between one month and 87 years old with a median age of 10.
The DOH also recorded clustering of cases in 110 barangays in the region.
