The number of dengue cases in Bacolod City has decreased by 36.4 percent, the latest report from the City Health Office (CHO) showed.
From January 1 to August 7, Bacolod posted a total of 159 dengue cases – two of which led to death, Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environmental Sanitation Division, said Thursday, August 26.
This figure is lower compared to the 250 cases recorded during the same period last year, the CHO added.
Estefania has the highest number of dengue cases with 23; followed by Tangub with 16; Singcang-Airport and Villamonte, 14 each; Taculing and Mansilingan, 10 each; Barangay 35 and Pahanocoy, eight each; Alijis, five; and Bata, four.
Meanwhile, six barangays were observed to have clustering of dengue cases in four weeks prior to August 7, the CHO noted.
These barangays include Pahanocoy, Villamonte, Bata, Estefania, Tangub, Mansilingan, and Vista Alegre.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease characterized by high fever accompanied by severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and rashes.
Despite the decline in the number of dengue cases, the CHO continues to take action to curb the mosquito-borne viral infection.
The CHO initiated recoridas, fogging or spraying in areas with recorded dengue cases. Larvicides were also distributed in affected communities.
Tan is urging the public to observe the “4S” in the fight against dengue.
The “4S” stands for “Search and destroy”, “use of Self-protective measures,” “Seek early treatment,” and “Say yes to fogging/spraying.”
Under the first “S”, all probable breeding places of mosquitoes, like containers with stagnant water, must be searched and destroyed.
Under the second “S”, individuals are urged to wear long sleeves and long pants, apply mosquito repellants, and use mosquito nets or screens as self-protective measures.
The third “S”, meanwhile, encourages the public to seek early treatment by going to the nearest health facility when dengue symptoms show. The public is also advised to take plenty of fluids.
The fourth “S” urges the public to promote fogging and spraying in areas with clustering of dengue cases.*