The Department of Health has called on the public to follow the “4S” protocol against dengue as the Bicol region logged a total of 398 cases from Jan. 1 to May 21, 2022.
The “4S” which stands for search and destruction of mosquito-breeding sites; self-protection measures by wearing long pants and sleeves; seeking early consultation; and support for fogging or spraying.
A surveillance report from the DOH Center for Health and Development Bicol said that 228 of the cases this year were in Camarines Sur, followed by 77 in Camarines Norte, 42 in Catanduanes, 26 in Masbate, 21 in Albay and four in Sorsogon.
The Provincial Health Office said that based on its records, there were a total of 100 suspect dengue cases recorded in Catanduanes at the end of Morbidity Week 21.
The capital town of Virac led with 64 suspect cases followed by San Andres with 15.
The other municipalities had fewer cases: Bato with 6, San Miguel with 4, Viga with 3, Bagamanoc, Baras, Caramoran, and Gigmoto with 2 each while there were no suspect dengue cases in Pandan and Panganiban.
There was no clustering of the suspect cases, indicating that the cases were isolated, the PHO reported.
Dengue or dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness that causes a high fever and flu-like symptoms in mild cases.
In severe cases, patients experience belly pain, vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, and a sharp drop in an infected person’s platelet count.
A recent report said the country has recorded almost 35,000 cases of dengue fever and 180 dengue-related deaths in the first five months of 2022, 33 percent higher compared to the reported cases during the same period in 2021.
Most of the dengue cases came from Central Luzon with 1,416 cases (13 percent); Central Visayas with 1,329 cases (13 percent); and Zamboanga Peninsula with 856 cases (eight percent).