The Department of Health-Cordillera has adopted the Covid-19 prevention strategy as a control measure against dengue.
DOH-Cordillera Entomologist Alexander Baday said the Covid-19 control strategy is hoped to better manage the mosquito-borne disease, which has beset the region last year.
The Covid-19 control measure involves prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, and reintegration (PDITR).
Baday said there is a need to be vigilant against dengue not only during the rainy months, but also throughout the year, as the disease has also become a year-round occurrence that only peaks during the rainy season.
In 2022, the region recorded 15,615 cases of dengue representing a 196 percent increase compared to the 5,270 cases recorded in 2021. There were 21 dengue-related deaths last year.
As a dengue control strategy, Baday said the prevention will entail the continuous implementation of the 4-S strategy, which involves searching and destroying mosquito-breeding grounds, self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, and spraying when there are outbreaks.
Detection involves the early diagnosis and management of dengue fever and the isolation strategy is done through the use of mosquito bed nets and insecticide-treated curtains, especially in schools.
The dengue treatment strategy is the referral system and establishment of dengue fast lanes in hospitals and integration is ensuring the sustainability of the 4-S strategy against dengue in the communities.
Baday said while the 4-S strategy against dengue 4-S is viewed as outdated, it remains the most practical preventive approach against the disease.
He added despite the continuous information, education, and communication campaigns, a lot remain unaware of the prevention and control strategies against dengue.
“We need to keep on reorienting the public on prevention strategies because there’s still a lot who need to be updated on this strategy,” he said.
Last year, Benguet recorded the most number of dengue cases that were logged in the region with 4,698 cases and seven deaths.
Kalinga recorded 2,984 cases with four deathsfollowed by Baguio City with 2,954 cases with five deaths.
Apayao recorded 1,785; Mountain Province with 844; and Abra with 249 cases. – Jane B. Cadalig
