Bontoc residents warned on dengue due to weather

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province- With the unpredictable weather condition experienced now and typhoons hitting the country from time to time, health officials in the capital town reminded the public to take precautions against the killer dengue.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), dengue fever- a mosquito-borne viral disease can lead to severe illness and life-threatening conditions. Accordingly, dengue fever has already become a year-round illness because of the ability of dengue-carrying mosquitoes to thrive in either dirty or clear and stagnant water stored in various containers.

Based on the report of the Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (MESU) of the Municipal Health Office (MHO), there are 31 dengue cases from March to July 2018. Of the total, Barangay Caluttit recorded the highest with 11; Barangay Poblacion – eight; Barangay Bontoc Ili – four; Barangay Tocucan –four; Barangay Samoki – two; Barangay Alab Oriente – one and Barangay Alab Proper-one.

During the Regular Monday Flag Ceremony on July 30, 2018, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Diga Kay D. Gomez advised the public to follow and put into practice the 4S anti-dengue method.

The 4S stands for Search and destroy mosquito breeding places; Safe protection measures; Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days; and Say yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak.

She also solicited the cooperation of the community by maintaining cleanliness at their homes and their backyards; disposing tin cans, jars, and bottles that can collect and hold water; covering water drums and pails; replacing water in flower vases; and clearing roof gutters to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.

Dr.Gomez enumerated some Self- protection measures to include wearing long pants and long –sleeved shirts when going out and using of mosquito repellent.

Meanwhile, health officials urged suspected dengue –infected patients to seek treatment if symptoms of high fever, joint and muscle pain, weakness, skin rashes, nose bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting, dark –colored stools, and breathing problems last for more than two days.

Bontoc Mayor Franklin C. Odsey in an interview mentioned that the municipal government through its MHO in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) – Provincial Office, Provincial Health Office (PHO), Rural Health Midwives (RHMs), Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and barangay officials have been conducting massive Information Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign to the different barangays on the preventive measures of dengue.

Also, the Sangguniang Bayan here passed Ordinance No. 304, s. 2018 known as the “Anti- Dengue Vector Ordinance”, an ordinance setting prevention and control measures to mitigate dengue fever cases and requiring all residents to strengthen the fight against the disease.

In support to this ordinance, an Anti- Dengue Task Force has been created to ensure firm and sustainable implementation and enforcement of the ordinance. The task force shall oversee and enforce strict implementation of the clean-up drive; coordinate with agencies or offices concerned relative to the information and awareness campaign against dengue.

Odsey added that while the government is doubling its effort in the fight against dengue, it cannot do it alone. It needs the participation and commitment of the community especially in the maintenance of a clean and healthy environment.