Despite a decreasing trend of reported dengue cases, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial has exhorted the public not to be complacent in their efforts against dengue.
Statistics from the Department of Health National Epidemiology Bureau from Jan. 1 to May 20, 2017 showed that there were a total 35,973 dengue cases nationwide, which is 31.8 percent lower compared to the same time period last year (52,780).
But even with the decline, Ubial cited the need to strive harder to eventually make Philippines a dengue-free country.
Majority of the cases were from the following regions: Central Visayas Region (15.5 percent), Central Luzon Region (13 percent), National Capital Region (12.2 percent), Calabarzon Region (11.4 percent) and Soccsksargen Region (11.1 percent).
Ages of cases ranges from less than 1 month to 98 years old (median – 13 years). Majority of the reported cases are males (54 percent). Most (21.5 percent) of the cases belongs to the 5-9 years age group. There are 207 reported deaths with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 0.58 percent while the age group that has the highest CFR is 0-4 years old (0.86 percent).
In celebration of the Asean Dengue Day last June 15 as per declaration of Asean Health Ministers during their meeting held in Singapore on July 22, 2010, the Philippines, a constituent of the Asean joined fellow country members in urging the public to strengthen forces in the continuous pursuit to defeat dengue.
This year, DoH Regional Office V (Bicol Region) led efforts to promote the local Asean Dengue Day with a theme focusing on “Search (and destroy mosquito-breeding places) and Seek (early consultation).”
The event aimed to focus on two core actions of the 4S strategies as a shared responsibility for effective dengue prevention and control program.
The 4S implementation enjoins everyone to become prime movers in achieving substantial change and positive influencers to others within the community.
“The significance of addressing dengue at the barangay level is to overcome its detrimental impact of instigating economic burden and hindering our development goals. The first step to prevent dengue is within our homes, it is important to instill cleanliness in our surroundings and empty containers with stagnant waters to eliminate the breeding places of mosquitoes. If fever is persistent, with or without rashes, it is imperative to seek early consultation in the health facilities for proper medical management and to avoid serious complications,” explained Ubial.
Ubial noted that the fight against the dreaded virus needs a multi-sectoral approach towards a sustained integrated vector management.
“We need everyone’s support, the DoH together with the local government unit, other government agencies and private sectors will visit households and educate the residents on the importance of preventing the spread of dengue,” the Health chief added.
She said the challenge to adhere an enhanced 4S implementation is doing them consistently and regularly.
A great example, Ubial said, is the reactivation of the 4 o’clock habit, a once a week search for key containers and other breeding sites of mosquitoes and eventually destroy them at 4 o’clock in the afternoon in every household.
To institutionalized this “Search and destroy breeding sites” in the locality, the passage and implementation of an ordinance is hereby recommended.
“Dengue prevention should start from us. Make 4S a habit so that together, we can fight and eliminate dengue-carrying mosquitoes and protect ourselves and loved ones against dengue. Let us unite in one goal of all for health towards health for all, ACHIEVE!” added Ubial.