• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Dengue cases in Bacolod City increased by 245.6 percent this year, the City Health Office said Sept. 25.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environmental Sanitation Division, said that 1,448 cases were logged from Jan. 1 to Sept. 14 this year, with three deaths, compared to the 419 cases with three deaths recorded in the same period last year.
Taculing topped the barangays with highest cases of infection at 171, followed by Bara, 136; Mansilingan, 107; Estefania, 106; and Villamonte, 100.
Other big barangays, like Granada, Alijis, Sum-ag, Mandalagan, Tangub, Cabug, Singcang-Airport, and Banago also logged more than 50 dengue infections.
The CHO has reiterated its call for barangay officials to lead the revival of the 4 o’clock habit in the fight against the spread of dengue, especially with the rainy season.
CHO head, Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, said that reviving this practice will drum up awareness and the importance of clean surroundings to fight the spread of this mosquito-borne illness.
It is important for the public to regularly practice the 4S in dengue prevention and control, like searching and destroying mosquito-breeding sites, seeking early consultation, ensuring self-protection by wearing long sleeves and pants, and supporting fogging or spraying in areas with clustering of cases.
The CHO has been intensifying its advocacy campaign, as well as the conduct of fogging in schools and areas with clustering of cases, and Bacolodnons should also do their part in regularly cleaning their surroundings and eliminating potential breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, Gensoli said. | CGC
