by Brian Zagala August 10, 2019 DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III calls for the support of local chief executives of Quezon prov...
by Brian Zagala
August 10, 2019 |
| DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III calls for the support of local chief executives of Quezon province in the fight against the increasing dengue cases in the province during the meeting with local officials held at the Quezon Medical Hospital in Lucena City during one of his regional dengue visit on August 7, 2019. (DOH CALABARZON) |
LUCENA CITY - Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III together with DOH-CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Regional Director Eduardo Janairo visited Lucena to conduct dialogue with Quezon governor, mayors, and legislators and to monitor the dengue situation in the province including those immunized with the Dengvaxia vaccine on August 7, 2019.
Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez, 2nd District Congressman David Suarez, 3rd District Congresswoman Aleta Suarez, 4th District Congresswoman and Chairperson of Committee on Health Helen Tan, and Provincial Health Team Leader Dr. Juvy Paz-Purino were present in the dialogue.
“There is still no cure for Dengue. The best thing that we can do is to clean our surroundings, eliminate all mosquito breeding sites that we can find in our homes such as water in vases, tires, water drain at the back of refrigerators. Check for an opening or cracks in your septic tanks because this is where mosquitoes hide and thrive,” Health chief said.
Duque expressed his concern on the growing number of dengue cases following the declaration of a national epidemic late on Tuesday.
The Health chief declared dengue a national epidemic to allow all local governments to access their respective quick response funds or calamity funds to ensure the necessary medical treatment and health services of dengue patients.
Duque also emphasized the enhanced “4S strategy”, which stands for search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; self-protection measures; seek early consultation; and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas to prevent an impending outbreak.
“I am counting on your support (mayors) because you are at the forefront in our fight against dengue. Sustain your regular clean-up drive, encourage everyone in the community to practice 4-S strategy and conduct regular misting activity. You can always request for support at the regional office and they are ready to provide assistance,” he encouraged Quezon mayors.
Duque also urged rural health units (RHU) to install hydration stations to admit those who are suffering high fever, one of the symptoms of the mosquito-borne illness.
As reported by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit from January 1, 2019 to August 3, 2019, Region IV- A CALABARZON has a total of 20,636 dengue cases, of which 3,640 cases were from the province of Quezon.
Regional Director Janairo on the other hand, reminded the public to remain vigilant against dengue and observe anti-dengue measures.
“Laging maglagay ng mga mosquito repellant sa mga exposed na part ng ating katawan gaya ng mga binti at braso. Ugaliin ding magsuot ng mga long sleeves at pantalon upang di makagat. Bantayan din natin an gating mga damit na nakasampay dahil pinamamahayan din ito ng mga lamok dahil and mga ito ay basa lalo na kung ang pagkakasampay ay dikit-dikit dito at rin sila nagtatago,” he said.
After meeting with local chief executives and district lawmakers, Duque conducted his rounds of hospital visit and checked on the health status of dengue patients in Quezon Medical Center.
No comments