LINGAYEN– The Provincial Health Office is keeping a close watch on the possible outbreak of dengue following an increase in the number of dengue cases at the onset of the rainy season.

PHO Officer-in-Charge Anna Ma. Theresa S. de Guzman said some 389 persons have been afflicted by dengue during the past seven months from January to August. Out of this number, seven have died, including the latest victim, Jerico Tabucao, a seven-year old from Brgy. Bacag in Villasis town last July 27.

Other dengue fatalities were Jissel Bonjad, 8 year-old of brgy Osmena, Dasol, Emmanuel Cecilia, 16-yr old from Baay, Lingayen, Fritney Gerdi Aleiah of brgy San Jose in Urdaneta City, Meriam Tamayo, 19 year-old of brgy.Lokeb Sur in Malasiqui, Mercedes C. Martinez, 75 yr-old from Brgy. David, Mangaldan and a five-year old John Mark Cubos of Poblacion in Anda.

De Guzman noted that 389 dengue cases from January to August of this year are much higher compared to those of the same period of last year when 259 dengue cases with six deaths were reported.

She said the daytime mosquito-dengue carrier called aedes Egypti thrives on stagnant clean water like that accumulating in flower vases, old tires, bottles, clean canals, etc.

The health official said the province has implemented an all-year round information dissemination on prevention and control measures tapping all barangay health workers and public school teachers.

This is part of the nationwide information campaign dubbed as “4-S which means S-earch and Destroy the breeding places of mosquito; S-elf-Protection Measures like the use of mosquito repellant even during daytime; S-eek Early Consultation when high fever and rashes are visible for two days and S-ay No to Indiscriminate Fogging.

A provincial Dengue Task Force continuously conducts community dialogues and house-to-house visits to combat the spread of the disease. (Merly R. Tibalao/PIO