Dengue cases in the Davao Region more than doubled in the first four months of 2019 compared to the same period last year.
From January 1 to May 16, 2019, the Department of Health (DOH) XI has reported a total of 2,468 dengue cases, including 4 deaths — more than double compared to the previous year.
2018 record shows 1,050 reported dengue cases including 2 deaths.
Despite the interventions and health programs imposed by the agency, there is still a possibility that the numbers will increase in the coming weeks. This, according to Engr. Antonietta P. Ebol, DOH XI Regional Dengue Control and Prevention Program Manager, is what they are looking into.
“We have an intensified campaign against dengue. We are imposing a city wide clean up drive”, Ebol said in a press conference.
“Our campaign has started. We want to enhance the 4S strategy para maintindihan ng lahat”, she added.
The 4S strategy, according to Ebol, deals with SEARCH and destroy mosquito breeding places, SECURE self-protection, SEEK early consultation and SUPPORT fogging/ spraying only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent impending outbreak.
In addition, Ebol explained that they are also reviving Task Force Dengue to be implemented in barangays. Through this, information dissemination about dengue and how it can be prevented can easily be transmitted.
“As part of our campaign, we are also distributing moskitero (mosquito nets) to ensure the protection of kids. Kahit mainit na panahon, magagamit parin ang moskitero panlaban sa lamok”, Ebol said. More so, the agency is also conducting free dengue testing.
The breakdown of dengue cases in the Davao Region includes 525 cases (0 deaths) in the ComVal Province, 1,039 cases (1 death) in Davao City, 323 cases (0 deaths) in Davao del Norte, 75 cases (1 death) in Davao del Sur, 19 cases (1 death) in Davao Occidental and 487 cases (1 death) in Davao Oriental. These, according to the report submitted by DOH XI, are suspected cases based on the signs and symptoms presented by the patients.
