DENGUE WATCH. Provincial Health Office team conducts larval survey in the communities in the province of La Union in this undated photo. The provincial government remains vigilant against dengue cases amid the decrease in cases this year. (Photo courtesy of Province of La Union)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The provincial government of La Union is strengthening its prevention strategies against dengue with the onset of the rainy season amid the 44 percent decrease in cases from January 1 to July 6 this year.
The La Union Provincial Health Office (PHO) partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units (LGUs) in the conduct of larval survey to identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites in the whole province.
“This is among the interventions of the Provincial Government to strengthen the surveillance and control of mosquito vectors to reduce the transmission of the disease,” the La Union Provincial Information Office told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday.
Based on the PHO’s data, a total of 238 dengue cases were recorded in the province from January 1 to July 6 this year, 44 percent lower than the 424 cases in the same period last year.
Dengue cases were recorded highest in San Fernando City, Bauang, Rosario, and Naguilian towns, with patients mostly children aged one to four, it showed.
These LGUs were given anti-dengue supplies by the DOH. Other localities in the region with a high number or increased cases received the same supplies.
The anti-dengue supplies included misting machines, backpack sprayers and insecticides, and olyset nets worth PHP31.5 million pesos to complement vector control measures in the communities during a possible outbreak.
“We are giving away these anti-dengue supplies to LGUs so that they can undertake their own misting operations, but only when there is a need for it,” DOH Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco said in a statement.
Regional Communicable Disease Prevention Unit Head Dr. Rhuel Bobis said only identified LGUs that have recorded an increase in cases were given supplies to be used in their anti-dengue elimination activities.
He said that the other LGUs in the region would also be provided in due time.
Amid the decrease in the total number of cases in La Union, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Herminigildo Velasco, in a statement underscored the need to implement the 4S (Search and destroy mosquito breeding places; Seek early consultation from health experts; Secure self-protection, and Support fogging/spraying) strategy against dengue. (PNA)
