2 dead, 1,160 sick with dengue in Ilocos Norte

By Blessing Angel V. Agliam

LAOAG CITY – Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc signed executive order 15-19 urging Ilocos Norte folks to take measures with the rising cases of dengue. According to the Provincial Health Office data from January to August 16, Ilocos Norte recorded a total of 1,160 cases with two reported fatalities.

“Compared to last year, tumaas ang dengue cases dito. Last year, konti lang ang ating cases pero marami ang namatay,” said PHO officer-in-charge Dr. Josephine Ruedas.

As part of its response, the PHO is also conducting active surveillance in communities to identify the causes of the increasing number of dengue cases in the province.

“We take this very seriously and I hope we can all do our part in combatting this problem,” Manotoc said.

EO No. 15-19 ordered all local government units and sectors to enforce preventive measures in mitigating dengue incidents, especially this rainy season.  

It called for firmer implementation of Dept. of Health’s Enhanced 4S Strategy, (search and destroy breeding sites, self-protect, seek early consultation, and say “yes” to fogging only in hotspot areas), and activation of aksyon barangay kontra dengue campaign.

Folks were encouraged to practice the 4 o’clock habit wherein they go out every 4 p.m. to clean surroundings and destroy mosquito-breeding sites.

Healthcare units must also facilitate chemical interventions to kill mosquito eggs, and reproduce DOH-provided IEC materials to strengthen information dissemination to all barangays.

Dr. Ruedas said all rural health units in the province are now equipped with DOH-trained and competent health workers, medical supplies and paraphernalia.