Ilocos ups drive to stop dengue

By Freddie G. Lazaro

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Local officials in the region have intensified a campaign using simple but practical measures set by the Department of Health in thwarting the spread of the dreaded dengue virus here.

The measures include the “4S” approach against the spread of dengue, which means search and destroy, seek early consultation, self-protective measures, and “say no” to indiscriminate fogging.

Records from the Region 1 office of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit under the DOH showed the number of dengue deaths for the period January 1 to July 31, 2010 was 13 with 1.6 percent fatality rate, while a total number of 794 dengue cases were recorded in the same period in Ilocos provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

As this developed, Ilocos Sur officials led by Gov. Luis Singson and Vice Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano are advocating the conduct of “Operation Taob” to all residents in the province to destroy the breeding areas of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Provincial Board Member Jerry Singson advised local residents to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and seek early consultation in case of fever and use self-protective measures by wearing long-sleeves clothes to avoid being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos called on all health officials and medical experts in the province to continuously conduct monitoring and massive inspection and implementation of appropriate measures to contain the spread of the dreaded virus.

Former First Lady now Ilocos Norte’s 2nd District Rep. Imeda R. Marcos is presently conducting a series of visits to the different towns under her jurisdiction to distribute chemicals to areas recommended for massive fumigation activities to eradicate the dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Meanwhile, the DOH and Department of Education teamed- up in fight against dengue in schools nationwide to protect pupils from the dreaded disease.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Health Secretary Enrique Ona are now jointly visiting the schools in Metro Manila to check the programs they are implementing against dengue.

The two Cabinet officials reminded the teachers to lead in taking preventive measures against the disease.