Dengue virus-carrying mosquito. (File photo)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Department of Health in Soccsksargen (DOH-12) has noted clustering of dengue cases in several villages of the region, amid a significant drop of the disease in the first quarter of this year.
In a report released Friday, Dr. Dyan Zubelle Parayao, DOH-12 infectious disease cluster head, said dengue cases in the region from January 1 to March 16 this year stood at 300, or 71 percent lower than the 1,022 during the same period in 2021.
Parayao said the decrease in dengue cases may be attributed to the strengthened implementation of the enhanced 4S strategy in communities.
The 4S campaign stands for Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; Secure self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent; Seek early consultation; and, support fogging only in hotspot areas where an increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.
Despite this, Parayao said a clustering of dengue cases had been observed this quarter in five villages of this city that included Katangawan, Lagao, Labangal, Fatima, and Seguil.
A dengue cluster indicates a specific area with active transmission.
Dengue clustering were also monitored in Barangay Poblacion, Glan, Sarangani, and Barangay Zone 3 in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
Parayao said the DOH-12 has coordinated with its provincial and city offices to assist the dengue-affected areas.
In 2021, the DOH-12 recorded 3,871 dengue cases with 22 deaths. (PNA)
