LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Health reiterated the importance of cleanliness in the surroundings and community participation in the fight against dengue following the upsurge of dengue cases in the province.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO)reported a significant increase in dengue cases from January to April this year with 201 cases including one fatality compared with 72 cases registered during the same period last year.

La Trinidad registered the highest cases with 85. A notable increase was also recorded in Mankayan from 23 to 43 cases, Itogon from seven to 23 cases, and Kapangan from eight to 13 cases.

More males were affected with 117 cases while females had 84 cases.

Most of those affected belong to the one to 24 years old age bracket.

PHO Rural Health Physician Jocelyn Legaspi said that there was a notable decrease of suspected dengue cases with only 730 in 2017 compared with the 4,014 cases recorded in 2016. The decrease was attributed to increased awareness in the community.

Department of Health-Cordillera Medical Officer IV Alexei Marrero said controlling the proliferation of mosquitoes is attained by maintaining cleanliness in the communities.

He said that communities must continue eliminating breeding sites such as getting rid of wastes around the home especially used tires, covering water tanks and wells, and getting rid of standing water on flat roofs and outdoor plant saucers.

Doing these measures two to three times a week will greatly help in controlling the proliferation of aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are not only carriers of dengue but also zika, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis.