Dengue is a mosquito –borne viral infection that can cause a severe flu-like illness and sometimes causing a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue. It is caused by a virus that is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that thrives and lay their eggs in a clear and stagnant water. This virus is being transmitted into humans through the bite of this carrier mosquito. It is considered as a fast emerging pandemic- prone viral disease that affects many parts of the world especially in tropical and subtropical countries.
It is estimated that 50-100 million infections occur annually in over 100 endemic countries, putting almost half of the world’s population at risk (World Health Organization, 2019). In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 146,062 cases from January to July 2019. This is 98% higher than the same period recorded in 2018 with 622 mortalities. Zamboanga del Sur peaked to 2,575 with 21 deaths recorded as of July 25, 2019. A total of 43 reported Dengue cases in Mahayag from January 1 to Aug 15, 2019. In barangay Bag-ong Dalaguete 8 residents were diagnosed with Dengue last 2018 and 5 case was recorded this 2019 with no recorded mortality.
With these data on hand, the DOH declared a national dengue epidemic. This will enable the government to identify where a localized response is needed and will enable the local government units to use their quick response funds to address the epidemic situation. Also, as part of the government’s effort to control and prevent this disease, the DOH has come up with different strategies to address the problem on grass root level. The DOH has come up with a strategy to prevent and control Dengue through its enhanced 4S strategy (Search and destroy, Seek early consultation, Self protection measures and Say yes to fogging only during outbreaks). Dengue is a public health problem and it entails involvement of the community to solve this emerging problem.
A one day Entomological survey was conducted in the barangay. All containers that contain water was checked both indoor and outdoor and containers that contains larvae was sampled and was sent to entomologist to be analyzed for the identification of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The number of houses inspected and the number of containers inspected was also noted for the house index, container index and the breteau index.
After identification of the larvae, demonstration of SEARCH and DESTROY of Dengue vector habitat and breeding sites was done coupled with health education about Dengue.
