DENGUE CASES IN BAGUIO DIPS

September 9, 2023 Metro BLISTT

Dengue cases in Baguio City dipped into a remarkable percentage from its alarming levels in the
past months. The city government only recording 649 dengue cases (333 males and 316 females)
including one death, according to Engr. Charles Carame, City Health Services Office (CHSO)
sanitation division chief, is significantly lower than the 2,328 cases recorded during the same period last year. Carame disclosed that this year’s top five barangays with the most number of dengue cases are Irisan, Camp 7, Bakakeng Central, San Vicente and Asin Road.

“Compared to the same period last year, dengue cases in the city this year has decreased but unfortunately meron pa rin brought about by the rain where cases usually increase during the rainy
season,” he explained. Dengue is a highly endemic infectious disease caused by any of the 4 serotypes of dengue virus and is transmitted to humans through the female Aedes mosquitoes whose most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash.

“As in all or most other diseases, prevention is still the key. One way of prevention is through sanitation and hygiene not only to ourselves but also our environment. As they say, ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’’”, Carame stressed. For his part, Dr. Nelson Hora, CHSO medical officer IV, said that his office is always ready to help the public in addressing their health needs, “hanggang sa makakaya namin.” Earlier, Mayor Benjamin Magalong reminded residents anew to abide by the “Tapat Mo, Linis Mo” ordinance by keeping their surroundings clean, especially with dengue
still posing a threat to the city.

“Everyone should contribute in keeping our city clean and not just rely on the government to do the cleaning for them,” he said. The city has also adopted the Department of Health’s (DOH) annual anti-dengue campaign that includes the ‘4 o’clock habit’ which entails dropping whatever one is doing and shifting the focus to search and destroy mosquito breeding places such as stagnant water, clearing corners of unused containers, receptacles, bottles, tires, piles of leaves and other
accumulated wastes.

Artemio A. Dumlao/ABN