Fogging operations began last Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in barangay Gogon Centro in Virac after health officials recorded an abrupt increase in mosquito-borne dengue cases in the area.
A reliable source told the Tribune that a team has already conducted an epidemiological surveillance of the village after it topped 16 barangays in the capital town in the number of dengue cases from Oct. 8 to Nov. 20, 2023.
As of Saturday, it already had 19 such cases, with several of them traced to a pet shop breeding mosquito larvae to feed their fish.
Six other barangays – Hicming, Gogon Sirangan, Rawis, Sogod Tibgao, San Isidro Village and Calatagan Tibang – had two cases each while Bigaa, Balite, Francia, San Roque, Igang, Danicop. Calatagan Proper, Pajo Baguio and Dugui Too have one dengue case each.
The last time there had been clustering of dengue cases was in June 2022 when several cases were recorded in a población barangay.
A month later, two siblings, both grade schoolers in Virac, fell ill from dengue, with one of them succumbing to the complications while being treated at a local hospital.
Dengue fever is an infection caused by a virus carried by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, with the four types capable of inducing fever as well as fever with bleeding or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Among the symptoms of dengue are the sudden onset of fever, splitting headache, pain at the back of the eyes, body and muscle pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. Dengue could lead to death if not treated early.
The Department of Health has called on the public to follow the “4S” protocol, 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.
It also urged residents to observe the 4 o’clock habit to search and destroy breeding places of mosquitoes inside their homes, workplaces or schools.
Local government units have been urged to follow and implement policies and procedures to prevent the spread of dengue.