*He signs EO calling extreme vigilance
versus this deadly mosquito-bite virus
To address the increasing number of dengue cases in Ilocos Norte, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc signed on August 23 Executive Order (EO) No. 15-19, enjoining the whole province to “Exercise Extreme Vigilance Against Dengue.”
According to the Provincial Health Office’s data from January to August 16, Ilocos Norte had recorded a total of 1,160 dengue cases with two reported fatalities.
PHO officer-in-charge Dr. Josephine Ruedas said that the province is on the alert threshold.
She explained that “compared to last year, tumaas ang [dengue] cases dito. Last year, konti lang ang ating dengue cases pero marami ang namatay.”
To counter this dengue menace, the PHO conducts active surveillance in communities to identify the causes of the increasing number of dengue cases in the province.
“We take this very seriously and I hope we can all do our part in combating this problem,” Gov. Manotoc stressed.
Manotoc’s EO No. 15-19 states that all local government units including all sectors are directed to enforce preventive measures in mitigating dengue incidents, especially this rainy season.
The firmer implementation of Department of Health’s Enhanced 4S Strategy, (search and destroy breeding sites, self-protect, seek early consultation, and say “yes” to fogging only in hotspot areas), and the activation of the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue Campaign are the main anti-dengue measures stipulated in the EO.
In addition, people are encouraged to practice the 4 o’clock habit by cleaning their surroundings and destroy all mosquito-breeding sites. The healthcare units must also facilitate chemical interventions to kill mosquito eggs, and reproduce DOH-provided IEC materials to strengthen information dissemination to all barangays.
Moreover, Dr. Ruedas assured that all Rural Health Units in the province are now equipped with DOH trained and competent health workers, medical supplies and paraphernalia. — (Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO)
