At the onset of the third quarter, the number of dengue deaths in the province already reached 13 as it rose by 61.5 percent from 2015’s total tally of five.

According to the Provincial Health Office, a total of 1,975 dengue cases in Bohol were recorded since January this year.

From the recorded 743 cases in January to May this year, the figure rose by 1,228 in just four months to 1,975 in October.

Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot of the PHO, during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on Tuesday, expressed concern over the growing number of dengue cases, particularly as vaccines remain unavailable in Bohol.

Cabagnot said that information campaigns are the government’s primary measure in battling the dreaded disease.

He reminded the public that sanitary efforts such as cleaning neighborhoods are effective ways to drive away mosquitoes carrying the deadly virus.

Cabagnot also encouraged the public to take seriously the threat of dengue and keep in mind the “4S.”

He explained that “4S” means “search and destroy possible living and breeding places of mosquitoes, use special protective equipment such as mosquito repellant, seek early medication, and say ‘no’ to indiscriminate fogging.”

The health official also proposed to local government units to enlist the aid of residents and form anti-dengue brigades in villages to help in the government’s information drive. (Rey Tutas)

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