AS the city reels from an onslaught of dengue infection cases, all sectors are joining the fight to prevent the disease.
The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) chair, Gladys Vergara called on residents toto take proactive measures “We all have a role to play in reducing dengue cases, the war against dengue begins at home, and it’s crucial that we strengthen our health and sanitation practices where we live.”
Data from the Department of Health from January 1 to August 3, 2024 shows Baguio recorded the highest number of dengue-related death with 10 followed by Benguet with 5, Mountain Province and Apayao – 3 each and Abra – 1 while Ifugao and Kalinga did not register any deaths related to the dreaded illness.
Vergara emphasized the importance of eliminating stagnant water, which serves as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “Now is the time to adopt whole-health habits at home, ensuring that we eliminate all potential mosquito-breeding sites. Dengue is a preventable disease, and by taking action within our homes, we can effectively combat this serious health threat.”
The city logged the highest percentage increase with 347 percent or from 601 cases during the first 31 weeks of 2023 compared to the 2,688 cases for the same period this year; Mountain Province came in second with a 288 percent increase in dengue fever cases with 418 cases last year compared to the 1,539 cases during the same period this year; Benguet came in third with a 259 percent increase or from 1080 cases last year compared to the 3,874 cases this year; non-CAR provinces reported an increase of 225 percent increase from 140 cases last year to 455 cases this year; Kalinga recorded a 114 percent increase from 265 cases last year to 566 cases this year and Apayao registered a 77 percent increase or from 301 cases last year to 534 cases this year.
Vergara said “These figures are a clear call to action. By increasing vigilance and taking preventive measures at home, we can significantly reduce the number of cases and protect our communities from this potentially deadly disease.”
