CLEAN-UP DRIVE. Villagers of Poblacion, Burgos, Ilocos Norte participate in a regular clean-up drive to drive away dengue-carrying mosquitoes in this undated photo. To date, the Provincial Health Office has recorded more than 500 cases of dengue since January with one mortality. (Contributed)
LAOAG CITY – The number of dengue cases in Ilocos Norte since January has reached 500, prompting the provincial government to continue with its massive fumigation and clean-up drive, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Provincial health officer Josephine Ruedas said Thursday that despite the rise in cases, only one death has been recorded in San Nicolas town. She also assured the public that cases this year were still lower than during the same period last year, but could not immediately provide 2021 figures.
“Regular clean-up activities should be done all year round but most importantly, we should pay attention to stagnant water including plants that store water in it,” she said, adding these are potential breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
To help prevent dengue, all barangay officials were asked to check drainage canals in their respective areas even as the PHO started distributing dengue sprayers to residents.
Schools are also doing their share in the clean-up drive and massive fumigation activities to protect children who often become victims of dengue.
At the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital, 10 of the 17 new dengue cases reported on Aug. 17 were children.
The PHO also reiterated to all parents that they should consult with a doctor or go to the nearest health center if their child or anyone they know suffers from on-and-off fever, stomach ache, and headache. (PNA)
