Dengue cases reach 10,718 with 13 deaths in Cordillera
>> Saturday, March 19, 2016
4 o’clock habit urged vs zika, dengue viruses
By
Aileen P. Refuerzo
BAGUIO CITY – The
Cordillera reported the “highest number of dengue cases in a year” with a total
of 10,718 dengue cases with 13 deaths last year Fifty one percent of the
patients were children.
Cordillera Dept. of
Health director IV Lakshmi Legaspi Legaspi bared this saying dengue was
pervasive last year in many regions including Cordillera.
The increase in the
cases was attributed to “high population of the aedes mosquitoes and the
abundance of mosquito breeding sites” exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon.
“This year, another
mosquito-borne disease called zika is now spreading in many countries.
This emerging disease is also transmitted by the same aedes mosquitoes
that transmit the dengue and chikungunya,” Legaspi said.
The symptoms of zika
are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya. The most common symptoms
are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain and
headache.
Pregnant women were
advised to consult with the doctor if they develop a fever, rash, joint pain,
or red eyes within two weeks after traveling to a place where zika is
prevalent.
In Baaguio Health
officials urged residents to observe the “4 O’clock Habit” to reduce mosquitos
on a daily basis and keep dengue and zika viruses at bay.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan
directed city health officer Dr. Rowena Galpo to head a weekly campaign to
search and destroy mosquito breeding sites in the community in keeping with the
campaign of the DOH.
Legaspi in a letter to
the mayor last Feb. 5 said the most effective way of preventing the
mosquito-borne diseases remains to be the elimination of all breeding sites in
the homes, workplaces, schools and public places.
“We enjoin everyone to
be vigilant. Evvery household should practice the 4 O’clock Habit of mosquito
source reduction everyday,” Legaspi said.
Residents were
encouraged to embark on a clean-up routine every 4 p.m. by removing all discarded
tires, plastic containers, tin cans, bottles and other containers that can
accumulate water.
All useful containers
such as drums, pails and water tanks should be tightly covered to prevent
mosquitoes from laying eggs, Legaspi added.
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