THE City Health Office (CHO) has reminded the public anew to follow the “4s” strategy against dengue in their households, workplaces, and even in schools as classes for school year 2022-2023 opened Monday, August 22, 2022.
Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, CHO chief, reiterated the reminder as the cases of dengue continue to increase in Zamboanga City.
Miravite said that they have recorded a total of 3,271 dengue cases since January 1 with 24 mortalities in the city.
The “4s” strategy stands for “search and destroy” mosquito-breeding sites, employ “self-protection measures" like wearing of long pants and long sleeved shorts, and daily use of mosquito repellent, “seek early consultation”, and “support fogging only in hotpots areas.”
The CHO recorded 15 villages with most number of dengue cases and these are: Sta. Maria, 190; Tetuan, 185; Pasonanca, 175; Tumaga, 175; Putik, 169; San Roque, 151; Mercedes, 145; Calarian, 136; Divisoria, 106; Cabatangan, 94; Boalan, 90; Guiwan, 85; Tugbungan, 82; Talon-Talon, 77; and, Culianan, 70.
Miravite also advised students to bring with them mosquito repellent, as more than 200,000 elementary and junior and high school students trooped to the schools when classes for school year 2022-2023 opened Monday.
Meanwhile, she said they continue to conduct monitoring and surveillance activities, etomological survey and fogging and misting activities among others to contain cases of dengue.
Etomological survey directly study a sampling of mosquitoes in order to provide an understanding of any changes in the characteristics and behavior of dengue vectors, like feeding habits and resistance to insecticides. (SunStar Zamboanga)