GROUP DISCUSSION. Personnel of the City Health Office (CHO) conduct group discussion in Barangay Guiwan on Thursday (March 23, 2023), as part of the house-to-house campaign launched by the CHO in barangays with recorded dengue cases. CHO data show that a total of 363 dengue fever cases have been recorded in 68 of the city's 98 barangays since January 1, with no fatalities reported so far. (Photo courtesy of City Hall PIO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) has assigned personnel to continue the local government's campaign against dengue hemorrhagic fever as cases continue to appear in various villages in the city.
The personnel assigned to sustain the anti-dengue campaign consist of job order employees for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). They conduct a house-to-house campaign in different barangays, especially those with recorded dengue cases, to make residents aware of dengue control and prevention.
"We are utilizing them in other programs like in our anti-dengue drive since there are no more recorded COVID-19 cases," said Christine Lim, CHO health education and promotion officer, in an interview Thursday.
Continuous education campaigns are also conducted through focused group discussions at the barangay level, she said.
According to CHO data, a total of 363 dengue fever cases have been recorded in 68 of the city's 98 barangays since January 1, with no fatalities reported so far.
The barangays with the highest number of dengue cases are Mercedes (26), Putik (17), Baliwasan, Boalan, and San Jose Gusu with 13 cases each; Guiwan, Pasonanca, Tetuan, and Tumaga with 12 cases each; Divisoria, Lunzuran, and Sta. Maria with 11 cases each, and Calarian, Sangali, and Zone 1 with 10 cases each.
In 2022, records from the Department of Health-9 showed that the city recorded 3,884 dengue fever cases, an average of 971 cases per quarter. There were 27 recorded mortalities last year.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, CHO chief, reiterated the call for residents to practice the "4S" strategy to prevent the spread of the disease. The "4S" strategy includes Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, Self-protection, Seek early consultation from doctors or other health personnel, and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas. (PNA)
