Dengue cases down

ZAMBOANGA City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos has called for constant anti-dengue efforts even if the dengue fever cases have significantly gone down in June.

Agbulos said the health office recorded 246 cases of dengue in June, which is way below the outbreak level of 342.

He said the reduction in the number of cases is proof that the unyielding effort to fight against the dengue outbreak is paying off.

"This shows that our efforts in keeping our surroundings clean proved to be effective," Agbulos added.

He urged all sectors to continue the efforts to further lower the cases.

He specifically called on the village officials to continuously spearhead the campaign in their respective areas of responsibility and to encourage each and every household to do the same.

The health official assured the public that the City Government is merely leading the way in the fight against the mosquito-borne disease and that the problem will not be resolved without the all-out support and cooperation of all the sectors.

Agbulos said there should be no complacency on the part of the people even if dengue cases are reducing.

"The more we should be aggressive and unyielding in our efforts," Agbulos said.

Mayor Celso Lobregat, upon recommendation from Agbulos' office, declared a dengue outbreak last May 10 in Zamboanga City.

Lobregat also issued an executive order mandating the urgent need to undertake immediate interventions to control and prevent the spread of dengue fever in the city by implementing the "4S" strategy of the Department of Health but not limited to the following: search and destroy breeding sites of dengue mosquitoes, self-protection (using mosquito nets, repellent, protecting clothing, seek early consultation and management and say no to indiscriminate fogging. (Bong Garcia)