The City Health Services Office reminded parents to check the records of their children to assure they are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
In a recent press conference, Dr. Donnabel Tubera-Panes of the CHSO said measles, a vaccine preventable disease, showed a remarkable increase in 2019 with 429 cases compared to 110 cases recorded in 2018.
The vaccine for measles covers two more diseases – mumps and rubella. She said the vaccine should be taken in two doses – first at 12 through 15 months of age and the second at four through six years old.
Panes said the CHSO is working on compelling the parents of day care children to bring or submit the vaccination records of their kids so that the CHSO could determine the amount of vaccines it will provide.
She said district health centers and the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center are providing free vaccines.
On other health concerns, Panes reiterated the public health advisory against dengue. She said there were 832 cases recorded in 2019 compared to the 444 cases recorded in 2018. Five deaths due to dengue were also recorded last year.
She reminded the public to practice the 4S strategy (seek and destroy mosquito breeding sites; self-protection; seek early consultation; and say no to indiscriminate fogging), and keep surroundings clean to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in stagnant water.
Panes said the city government is pushing for the strengthening of the ordinance that requires community action against dengue and other diseases. – Carlito C. Dar
April 26, 2024
