Defensor, Mabilog act to contain dengue cases in Iloilo
Concerned by the rising dengue fever cases in both Iloilo province and city, Gov. Arthur Defensor and Mayor Jed Patrick have launched separate initiatives to engage their respective constituents in an intensified anti-dengue campaign.
Defensor has issued Executive Order 31 creating the Task Force “Say No to Dengue” to enforce intensive and sustained information dissemination campaign against the mosquito-borne disease.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office has recorded of 1,141 dengue cases with seven deaths from January 1 to July 31 this year. Passi City has the highest number of cases, with 128 including one fatality.
The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health 6 has also predicted a possible dengue epidemic in Western Visayas.
Last week, Capiz province has declared a state of calamity due to dengue outbreak after its PHO recorded more than 1,500 cases with 10 deaths from January to end of July.
Task Force “Say No to Dengue” is chaired by Defensor with Provincial Health Officer Patricia Grace Trabado as vice chairperson and action officer.
It will initiate the distribution of flyers or reading materials on how to prevent dengue fever through the League of Municipalities of the Philippines and the Liga ng mga Barangay.
It will also conduct regular anti-dengue advocacy through the mass media to encourage public vigilance and awareness and hold information drive in schools and encourage community participation in massive clean up activities.
In Iloilo City, Mabilog said he will put the city under a state of calamity if dengue cases continue to increase.
“I am contemplating on declaring a state of calamity if cases continue to increase. We will get fund from our calamity fund for our anti-dengue drive,” he said.
Mabilog called for community participation and cooperation in the fight against dengue.
He issued a memorandum order directing all village chiefs from the city’s 180 barangays to conduct massive cleanup in their respective villages.
The Iloilo City Health Office has recorded two deaths and more than 300 cases.
Mabilog said he also mobilized city health and all barangay health workers to monitor suspected cases in their barangays.
He advised health workers to report cases to the ICHO, and relatives of patients to coordinate with the proper authority for immediate action.
“We could fight this menace with proper cleanliness and cooperation of every stakeholder,” he said.
