Health authorities closely monitoring San Carlos for alarming dengue cases

A barangay in San Carlos City is being closely monitored by health authorities for alarming dengue cases.

Dr. Mary Genevieve Montaño, Medical Specialist II and City Health Office Technical Adviser, on Friday, September 22, presented the results of the entomological survey conducted by the Department of Health and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) which showed that there are dengue carriers in Brgy. Rizal.

Montaño said Brgy. Rizal has the highest number of dengue cases in San Carlos City.

The latest data showed that the city has 137 cases and two deaths.

She added that the PHO recommended the survey "to have evidence-based findings if dengue vectors are present in Brgy. Rizal."

The survey said most households in the barangay store water in uncovered containers, which serve as breeding habitats for dengue-carrier mosquitoes.

"The data is alarming and, if not addressed, might create an outbreak, and they plan to replicate the survey in other barangays. The residents should clean their surroundings," Montaño pointed out.

Edjohn Javellana, head of the PHO entomological survey, recommended to the San Carlos City government to activate Aksyon sa Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD), creation of a barangay resolution or ordinance for dengue to protect the health and welfare of the people in the community, involving the school in practicing the 4 o’clock habit, sustaining the best preventive practices by keeping the environment clean, removing stagnant water, intensifying the Information Education Campaign (IEC), the establishment of dengue fast lane, and purchase of NS1 fumigation (chemical).

Mayor Renato Gustilo recommended that the CHO conduct an awareness campaign on dengue in every barangay.

Data from the PHO showed that San Carlos City recorded the highest number of dengue cases in Negros Occidental as of September 16, with 132 cases.*