MikeLigalig.com

July 2010 by Paul Vistal
- Dengue cases, including already six deaths since January, have risen to a terrible level in the past six months that they have already more than doubled the total for the entire year of 2009.

Gov. Edgar Chatto immediately ordered the implementation of the four “S” against dengue to prevent a likely 200% increase in the cases by the end of December and save most number of lives, particularly of the tender children who are most vulnerable to the dreaded disease.

These four “S” mean—search and destroy mosquito breeding places; self-protection measures; seek early consultation; and say “No” to indiscriminate fogging.

In the meeting of the capitol Management Executive Board (MEB), Chatto called the attention of all concerned, taking into serious consideration the onset of the rainy season during which the dengue-causing mosquitoes can rapidly breed.

Provincial Health Office (PHO) head Dr. Reymoses Cabagtnot reported to the MEB that six already died of dengue within the January 1 – July 16, 2010 period, which also registered 793 confirmed and suspected cases of dengue. In the whole of 2009, only 769 cases were reported, eight resulting in death.

The governor called for preventive and control measures against the outbreak of the disease and also for volunteerism in donating blood for dengue victims. Severe cases of dengue often require blood transfusion.

Cabagnot clarified in the MEB meeting that because the province does not have the technical capability to confirm these cases as dengue hemorrhagic fever, these can only be classified as suspected dengue cases until they are confirmed by laboratory testing.

The dengue deaths this year involved victims from Baclayon, Calape, Garcia-Hernandez, Loay, San Miguel, and Ubay.

The fight against dengue is “sentimental” to the governor himself because dengue had claimed the precious life of his own younger pretty sister, Esther Therese. Hers was reported to be the first case of dengue death in Bohol. Chatto was then a high school student.

The case was an issue critical to the Boholanos in the early 70s as it brought about the realization that dengue can kill—fast and sure.

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is carried by the aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito has white markings on its legs and usually feeds early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It breeds in clean, stagnant water such as those found in flower vases, roof gutters, uncovered water vessels, used cans, and discarded tires.

The principal symptoms of dengue are high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pains, nausea and vomiting, eye pain, and rashes.

Chatto stressed in his memorandum to the mayors that preventive action is the best defense. Copies of it were also sent to the Bohol heads of the DepEd, DILG and Liga ng mga Barangay.

He urged the LGUs to conduct massive information education campaign as part of the preventive and control strategy, which includes LGU advocacy down the barangay level and advocacy/lecture in schools and communities.

Among the other measures recommended are entomological surveys, surveillance and monitoring, and rapid reporting from rural health units to the provincial and regional health authorities.

The self-protection measures one may take against dengue are the use of mosquito nets, installation of window and door screens, use of insect repellant lotion, and wearing of pants and long-sleeved clothing.

The PHO discouraged indiscriminate fogging as it may do more harm than good.

Mosquitoes only move away from areas being fogged but may still return and because the eggs of dengue mosquitoes are underwater, they are not affected by fogging.

During the MEB meeting, while urging voluntary blood donation for severe dengue victims, the governor noted the health benefits of donating blood since it helps produce new blood cells.

According to the PHO, the most number of suspected dengue cases reported since 2000 was in 2007 with 1,678 cases and 16 deaths. The most number of deaths was reported in 2005 with 21 fatalities and 1,113 suspected cases.

Year 2000 had the least number of dengue cases with only 70 and without a single fatality, followed by the 145, which included five deaths, in 2008.

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