THE Department of Health (DOH)-Northern Mindanao is urging the public to follow the 4S Strategy as dengue cases continue to increase in the region reaching a total of 15,095 cases from January to August 3.
To drive down the risk of dengue, the agency has been campaigning the 4S Strategy which include Search and destroy of mosquito breeding sites; Self-protective measures like using of insect repellants daily and wearing of light-colored clothes, long sleeves, and long pants; Seek early consultation to the nearest health care facility once signs and symptoms are manifested; and Support fogging, spraying and misting only in hotspot areas where increases in case is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.
Dr. Adriano Suba-an, OIC-director of DOH-Northern Mindanao, said the latest is 62.54 percent higher compared to the same period in 2018, with 60 deaths reported.
“It’s very alarming. In fact, we have already exceeded the epidemic threshold,” Suba-an said.
“As the lead agency, the DOH shall convene the Health Cluster of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to intensify detection, tracking and monitoring of cases, provide issuances and alert advisories, ensure mobilization and augmentation of needed logistics, and provide laboratory response,” he added.
According to the data provided by the DOH, Bukidnon has posted the highest number of dengue cases at 6,406 or 42 percent, majority of them are males (53 percent) and the most common age group affected was 1 to 10 years old.
Misamis Oriental recorded second highest with 2,384 dengue cases. Lanao del Norte, on the other hand, posted the highest number of deaths (15).
In Cagayan de Oro City, a total of 1,557 dengue cases were reported with eight deaths. Among the barangays, Carmen had the highest number of cases at 196 with two deaths. Sitio Macanhan topped the most number with 32 reported cases.
Suba-an said there is a heightened monitoring of dengue cases in all bureaus, units, hospitals, and attached agencies of the DOH. They will also provide immediate management and assistance to those afflicted by the disease.
The DOH is also encouraging the public to practice the Sabayang 4-o’clock habit para Deng-Get Out Activities to support the fight against dengue.
“We are encouraging nga nagpuyo diri sa Northern Mindanao na at least once a week or everyday, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, maglimpyo ta tanan, tan-awon nato na walay pwede maging breeding site ng lamok,” Suba-an said.
(We are encouraging those living here in Northern Mindanao to practice the 4-o’clock habit at least once a week or everyday. Let’s clean up and make sure that there would no longer be any breeding sites for mosquitoes)