THE Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) has urged Pangasinenses to take precautionary measures against dengue virus, as it recorded high number of dengue cases in the first quarter of this year.

Dr. Anna Theresa De Guzman, provincial health officer, in an interview said the PHO recorded 982 dengue cases from January 1 to April 2 this year, 182 percent higher from the 348 cases during the same period last year.

She said the PHO already noted four mortality cases in 2018 from three mortality cases last year.

De Guzman said 10 towns and cities, which have the highest number of victims, are under strict monitoring by PHO.

Urdaneta City recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the province with 119, followed by Binmaley (65), Mangaldan (55), Asingan (50), Sta. Barbara (48), San Carlos City (47), Lingayen (47), Bolinao (45), Binalonan (36) and Bayambang (32).

She added the youngest victim of dengue is a four-month baby and the oldest is a 69-year-old woman.

De Guzman advised everyone to remove all stagnant waters in their home and community, which could serve as a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“We also give treated mosquito nets to schools and chemical treatments for sewerage systems in communities,” she said. (PNA)