PHO: Prevention is best measure vs. dengue

By: Jemin B. Guillermo

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Prevention measures remain the best way to stamp out the deadly dengue disease.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Samuel Delfin of Capiz said “prevention is always better than cure,” citing the positive result of community mobilization in the clean up drive throughout the province.

Delfin said that the all-out support and cooperation of everyone in the conduct of clean-up activities to destroy the breeding sites of mosquitoes have been gaining ground as shown in the weekly decline of dengue cases here.

Records from the PHO showed that for Morbidity Week 29 until Morbidity Week 32 indicated continuous and significant decline in the number of dengue cases in Capiz.

From 564 cases for the July 14 to July 20 period, it decreased to 510 cases in July 21 to July 27; 410 cases in July 28  to August 3 and further declined to 298 cases in August 4 to August 10.

The report also showed that from January 1 to August 10 this year, the province has already recorded 4,930 dengue cases with 20 deaths already.

Meanwhile, health authorities here to include those at the provincial, city and municipalities, have urged the public to continue the drive in doing clean-up activities and destroy the breeding places of mosquitoes in order to spare the people from the disease.

They also called on the residents to always practice the “4S” strategy in the fight against dengue.

The 4S stands for “Search and destroy” mosquito-breeding sites, employ “Self-protection measures”  such as wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts, and daily use of mosquito repellent, “Seek early consultation” and “Support fogging/spraying” only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

Earlier, Capiz has declared a dengue outbreak following the significant increase of dengue cases in the province. (PIA)