HEALTH officials in Mabalacat City have urged the people to cooperate and support the government's drive against the dreaded dengue virus.
Dr. Maria Clara Aquino, city health officer, said the health department needs the participation of the people with regards to fighting the outbreak of the virus, which already affected the entire country.
"Gusto ko lang pong i remind o i-inform ang lahat na tumataas po ang cases ng dengue hindi lamang po dito sa Mabalacat pero sa buong Pilipinas," Aquino said. “So, kami po ay nananawagan na tulungan niyo po kami. Hindi po namin kaya sa health department lang na sugpuin ang dengue.”
She said the campaign requires community participation.
"So this is a community participation, involvement po ng lahat ng community. Lalong lalo na po, patulong po kami sa ating mga medical teams, barangay health workers (BHWs), barangay leaders in disseminating information against dengue," she added.
According to Aquino, dengue may be prevented by simply following the 4S -- search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds, secure self protection measures, seek early consultation and support fogging in hotspot areas.
"Simple lang naman po ang pagsugpo sa dengue. Sundin lamang po natin yung 4S laban sa dengue. Ano po ba yung 4S -- Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self protection, seek early consultation, and support fumigation in areas affected by dengue," Aquino added.
Dengue-borne mosquitoes lay eggs in impounded clean water, she added.
Aquino thanked Mayor Crisostomo Garbo for supporting various health programs including anti-tuberculosis, immunization, anti-dengue, anti-Aids, hemo dialysis, maternal and children health and nutrition program and others.
"The City HealthOffice is tasked to prevent and control the diseases in the city. So we are implementing the different health programs of the Department of Health and also the programs of our city government led by our city mayor," Aquino said.