By PIMO | 06:05 PM September 14, 2024
Immediate action is the call for the community as Bohol continues to face an alarming rise in dengue cases.
The Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (PESU) of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported 6,772 cases and 17 deaths as of September 7, 2024.
This represents a staggering 484.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year with 1,158 cases and 2 deaths reported.
The surge had prompted the provincial government to declare a state of calamity, with Governor Aris Aumentado leading the charge in calling for community involvement to halt the spread of this deadly disease.
The dengue outbreak is a public health crisis that affects Boholanos of all ages, with the highest number of cases seen in children aged 5-10 years old.
The hardest-hit areas include Tagbilaran City (10.03% of cases), Inabanga (9.20%), Ubay (5.08%), Talibon (4.65%), and Jetafe (4.30%). The male population has been slightly more affected, accounting for 52.92% of the cases.
Let’s Fight Against Dengue: Community Unity is the Key
Governor Aumentado has urged every Boholano to take responsibility for combating the dengue outbreak.
The Provincial Government of Bohol has launched the campaign “Let’s Fight Against Dengue: Community Unity is the Key,” emphasizing that every individual plays a crucial role in preventing the further spread of the virus.
One of the primary strategies in this fight is the Department of Health’s (DOH) 4S strategy, a simple but effective approach to dengue prevention. The 4S strategy encourages:
- Search and Destroy Breeding Sites – Mosquitoes that transmit dengue thrive in stagnant water. Communities must be vigilant in identifying and eliminating breeding grounds such as uncovered containers, old tires, and clogged drains.
- Self-Protection Measures – Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce exposure to mosquito bites, and apply insect repellents, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk).
- Seek Early Consultation – If you or a family member has a fever lasting more than two days, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Early detection can save lives.
- Support Fogging/Spraying in Hotspot Areas – While not a universal solution, fogging and spraying are effective in areas experiencing a sudden spike in dengue cases. The community should support these targeted efforts when necessary.
In addition to these measures, the DOH’s 4 O’clock Habit advocacy urges everyone to clean their surroundings at 4:00 PM daily. By ensuring that no stagnant water remains in the neighborhood, families can directly contribute to the reduction of mosquito breeding sites.
The Human Toll: Boholanos Must Take Urgent Action
The heartbreaking loss of 17 lives this year underscores the gravity of the outbreak.
With the youngest victim just a year old, this disease spares no one, and its effects ripple through families, neighborhoods, and entire communities.
The Provincial Health Office’s surveillance shows a clear trend: dengue thrives where complacency exists. When stagnant water is left unattended, when communities delay seeking medical attention, and when preventive measures are not observed, dengue gains ground.
This outbreak is not just a government concern—it is a community challenge, thus the call for every Boholano to take part in the solution by actively participating in the 4S strategy and 4 O’clock Habit to prevent the numbers from rising further.
Dengue Prevention Is in Your Hands
As Bohol fights this public health battle, the importance of community involvement cannot be overstated.
The provincial government and healthcare professionals are doing everything in their power to curb the outbreak, but emphasize the need for every household, barangay, and municipality to help.
Authorities stressed that prevention is far more effective than treatment and that by taking proactive steps now, illness and further loss of life can be prevented. (PIMO/ML)
