THE CITY Health Office intensified dengue prevention and solid waste management with 3,733 cases, with 29 deaths, l from January to August this year.
During the iSpeak forum on Aug. 29, Melodina Babante, CHO Tropical Diseases Prevention and Control Unit coordinator, said the public’s lack of education on garbage segregation and waste disposal that can attract mosquitoes contributed to dengue cases.
Out of the 29 deaths reported this year, 25 deaths of dengue were confirmed while four deaths are still being investigated.
Last June 13, CHO head Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon reported 1,954 dengue cases and 16 deaths from January to June, representing a 21% decline from the 2,486 for the same period last year.
Babante emphasized the city ordinance in creating the Barangay Mosquito-Borne Disease Task Force in communities to combat dengue cases. She hopes that the 182 barangays will comply with the law.
For now, 52 barangays have their own dengue task forces.
Meanwhile, Talomo, Buhangin, Bucana, Ma-a, Tibungco, Calinan, Catalunan Grande, Bunawan, Matina Crossing, and Toril recorded the most dengue cases with Talomo being the highest (168 cases in 2024).
She also urged the public to practice proper waste management to prevent the dengue mosquito population from increasing.
The CHO partnered with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in conducting information and education campaign (IEC) programs in communities, schools, and barangays on solid waste management.
File Photo: Bing Gonzales
