KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – At least 2,202 individuals were infected with dengue while 6 others died from the mosquito-borne disease in the province January this year, the Integrated Provincial Health Office reported earlier.
Jose C. Barroquillo, Jr., Sanitary Inspector IV and Mosquito Borne Diseases Program Coordinator head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO)-South Cotabato, said their record on dengue cases covers the January 1 to July 28 period.
IPHO data showed that Polomolok got the highest number of resported dengue cases with 367 which comprised 17.1 percent of the total cases in the province.
DOH-12 data showed that North Cotabato got the highest number of reported dengue cases with 694 which comprised 42 percent of the total cases in the region.
Dengue fatalities mostly came from Municipality of Polomolok with 3, and one each in Koronadal, Norala, and T’boli.
Baroquillo reminded the residents to practice the “4S” strategy against dengue following a continuing increase in the number of cases in the province.
“Ang sakit nga Dengue dala ini siya sang kagat sang infected nga babae nga lamok, isa ka viral infection nga naga apekto sa kung sin o ang makagtan.” he said in an interview.
The four “S” campaign stands for: Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; secure Self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent; Seek early consultation, and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas where an increase in cases for two weeks registered to prevent an impending outbreak.
“Kinahanglan nga mangin matinlo kita sa aton panimalay kag komunidad agod malikawan ta in inga balatian. Kung wala lamok, wala man sang Dengue.” Baroquillo added.
Dengue virus is spread to people through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The mosquito can be recognized by white markings on its legs and a pattern in the form of a lyre on the upper surface of its thorax.
The most common symptoms of dengue fever are nausea, vomiting, rashes, aches, and pain such as eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain.
