DESPITE the onset of the rainy season, fewer dengue cases were recorded in the Ilocos Region from January 1 to June 10 compared to the same period last year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
“According to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, a total of 881 dengue cases were recorded from January 1 to June 10, 2023,” said DOH – Ilocos Region Director Paula Paz Sydiongco.
“This is 4.3 percent lower in the same period last year with 921 cases,” she added.
Two deaths were recorded in 2023, one each in Pangasinan and in La Union.
Sydiongco attributed the drop in the number of dengue cases to the high participation rate of residents in lean-up campaign, “Defeat Dengue Drive ng Barangay,” in the Ilocos Region, which involves surprise inspections in each barangay in a span of two weeks.
“Everyone’s participation in dengue prevention and control is the only cost-effective and sustainable way of preventing the spread or outbreak of dengue in the community,” she said.
“A whole-of-community approach in conducting the 4 o’clock habit is needed in order for the efforts to take out mosquito breeding sites in the environment to be effective,” she added.
The DOH has long pushed the 5S strategy against dengue — Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, Self-protect, Seek early consultation, Support fogging and spraying only in hotspot areas, and Sustain hydration.
Dengue is one of the common diseases identified by the DOH during the rainy season which started early this month.
