DENGUE AWARENESS MONTH. The Department of Health Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region reminds the public to practice the 4S habit. 4S stands for search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, applying self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging or spraying in times of impending outbreaks. (Photo courtesy of Healthy Pilipinas Facebook page)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has recorded 1,660 dengue cases from January 1 to June 14 this year, 67-percent higher than the 995 cases in the same period last year.
Based on PHO’s monitoring, the highest number of cases was recorded last January with 524.
Under PHO’s watchlist are the cities of San Carlos, Alaminos, and Urdaneta; and the towns of Bayambang, Umingan, Binmaley, Pozorrubio, Lingayen, Calasiao, and Basista.
There was only one death this year compared to last year’s nine due to dengue.
The youngest dengue patient was a two-month-old baby boy, while the oldest was a 55-year-old woman.
In an interview on Wednesday, the Department of Health Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD 1) spokesperson Dr. Rheuel Bobis said the Ilocos Region has a total of 1,600 dengue cases, including that of Pangasinan.
“There was a notable spike in the number of dengue cases this year. This might be due to neglect of the cleanliness of surroundings as dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant waters,” he said.
Bobis reminded the public to practice the 4S habits against dengue, or the search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, applying self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging or spraying in times of impending outbreaks. (PNA)
