By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) is urging barangays to reactivate the 4 o’clock habit of cleaning their surroundings, following a 117.5 percent increase in dengue cases as of August 17.
Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, city health officer, reported that 794 dengue cases have been recorded from January to mid-August this year, a significant rise of 429 cases compared to 365 cases during the same period last year.
Gensoli noted that the surge in dengue cases has contributed to an increase in hospital admissions. However, she emphasized that there is no advisory yet from the Department of Health (DOH) to declare an outbreak.
She explained that hospital admission depends on the assessment and referral of doctors, and added that some dengue cases can be managed at home with regular platelet monitoring.
“There is a specific criterion for declaring an outbreak, and a DOH team is currently monitoring and evaluating barangays with the highest cases every week,” Gensoli said.
Thirteen of the 61 barangays with the highest dengue cases are as follows: Taculing with 88 cases; Bata, 79; Villamonte, 61; Estefania, 48; Mansilingan, 46; Granada, 44; Sum-ag, 40; Cabug, 39; Mandalagan, 38; Alijis, 36; Tangub, 33; Banago, 29; and Singcang-Airport, 28.
Gensoli also reported three dengue-related deaths as of August 17, with one confirmed case, while the other two remain probable.
She appealed to the barangays to assist the CHO in combating dengue, emphasizing, “This is a community concern. The CHO alone cannot solve or address this problem.”
Gensoli urged barangays to revive the habit of cleaning their surroundings, raise awareness about the dengue crisis, and encourage residents to maintain cleanliness within their yards. “This is a big help, and we appreciate it,” she said.
She added that the 4 o’clock habit was neglected during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the CHO is now prioritizing cleaning and fogging operations in schools, where many dengue cases have been reported. Additionally, the CHO is intensifying its efforts in barangays with clustered cases.
Gensoli stressed the importance of continuing the implementation of the 4S strategy: Search and Destroy mosquito breeding areas, Seek early consultation, Self-protect by using protective clothing, and Support spraying and fogging in hotspot areas.
