BLOOD FOR DENGUE PATIENTS. Soldiers donate blood to answer the needs of the increasing number of dengue patients in Aurora province. According to the Provincial Health Office, there is a total of 1,234 dengue cases in Aurora from January to August 13, this year which is 179 percent higher compared to the 442 cases during the same period last year. (File photo courtesy of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion)
BALER, Aurora—The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is urging residents in this province to follow the "4S" strategy against dengue as cases of the mosquito-borne viral illness reached a total of 1,234 from January to August 13 this year.
Dr. Luisito G. Teh, Provincial Health Officer II, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the latest figure is 179 percent higher compared to only 442 dengue cases during the same period last year.
“We are always ready to assist the local government units (LGUs) here in implementing anti-dengue activities through the enhanced 4S strategy,” Teh said.
The "4S" strategy means to Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Support misting/spraying to prevent an impending outbreak.
Based on PHO data, the municipality of Dingalan has the highest number of dengue cases with 312; followed by Baler with 186; Dipaculao, 175; Maria Aurora, 142, San Luis, 123; Dilasag, 113; Casiguran, 99; and Dinalungan, 84.
Eight deaths due to dengue were also reported this year as against one in 2018.
At least 75 percent of dengue victims in this province are between the ages of one and 20 years old.
“We are prioritizing areas for community-based intervention to control dengue vector, such as areas where there are clustering of dengue cases, occurrence of an outbreak in the past year, recent dengue-related deaths, vector indicators and presence of cases in schools and hospitals," Teh said.
He said they intensified their health education and awareness campaign against dengue by conducting community assembly and distributing information and education campaign materials.
“We also conducted disease surveillance to investigate and validate reported dengue cases, or any persons who show signs and symptoms of dengue,” he said.
Teh noted that the provincial government held a meeting recently on the implementation of the campaign against dengue dubbed “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue” (or ABaKaDa), to stir up community action.
“The program calls for regular weekly clean-up drives led by the barangay leaders and to include the active participation of community volunteers, civil society and others in government. The DOH (Department of Health) and its partners will also launch a tri-media campaign to generate public support for ABaKaDa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Teh thanked the military troops who recently donated 27 bags (500cc per bag) of blood for dengue victims.
“We have more than 20 bloodletting activities but the use for it is for general patient unlike now, our Army in this province helps us to ensure adequate supply of blood for dengue patients,” he said.
At least 50 soldiers from the Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 70th Infantry Battalion and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) donated blood in response to the needs of the increasing number of dengue patients in the province.
Sinagtala commander, Lt. Col. Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II, said the activity is in compliance with the directive of their higher headquarters to contribute to the mitigation and prevention of dengue cases in the province.
He assured that Sinagtala troopers are always ready to provide services to the residents in this province. (PNA)
