Practice ‘4S’ to check rising cases of dengue

LEGAZPI CITY--- The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol urged the public to practice the 4S strategy to combat the increasing number of dengue cases in the region.

DOH Dengue Program Coordinator Maria Cecilia Pan in an interview said 4S is the only defense against the increasing cases of dengue in the region.

The strategy encompasses the 4S which stands for “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, “Self-protection measures, “ Seek early consultation” for fever as early as one day, and “Say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.

Under the surveillance report of the DOH Public Health Preparedness and Response Unit, 519 dengue cases have been reported from from January 1 to February 2019, which is higher than the 397 cases recorded during the same last year.

Camarines Sur remains the province with the highest number of cases with 272, followed by Sorsogon with 83; Albay, 68; Camarines Norte, 41; Masbate, 35; and Catanduanes,20.

“4S is very effective but maintaining cleanliness in our community is the best and cheapest way to fight dengue. By regularly cleaning, disposing of materials that can contain stagnant water and make sure irrigations is not clogged with these practices we can ensure that there will be no more breeding places for mosquitoes.” Pan added.

OIC Regional Director Dr. Ernie Vera noted the importance of a community based approach.

According to Vera, cooperation within community cleaning activities is the key to avoid dengue.

“There will be no dengue if we practice 4S every day and give our full cooperation with community based cleaning activates.

“Dengue is preventable, this is why we urge the public to support the 4S strategy of the DOH to decrease mortality,” Vera added.

Vera also reminded that if symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe joint and muscle pains, headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting are detected; one must consult a doctor immediately.

NSI test is available in all rural health units and it allows rapid detection of dengue as early as the first day of fever.