COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao health authorities on Wednesday warned public against deadly mosquito bites as dengue cases rose by 624 from 30 July to 13 August.
BARMM Ministry of Health coordinator on dengue and emerging and re-emerging infectious disease program head Ron Aray urged residents to clean their surroundings to prevent dengue mosquitos from breeding.
MOH-BARMM records disclosed that dengue cases have reached 2,124 from January to 13 August, and that 30 have succumbed to the mosquito-borne disease over the period, as compared to zero fatalities in the same period in 2021.
Data from the MOH-BARMM Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed that Lanao del Sur had the highest number of cases with 1,035, followed by Cotabato City, with 425; Maguindanao, 393; Tawi-Tawi, 112; Sulu, 90; and Basilan, 69.
The majority of the dengue patients, numbering 1,145 or 54 percent, were children aged 10 years and below.
Aray also reminded the public to practice the 4S strategy against dengue, which refers to Searching and destroying mosquito breeding places; Self-protection; Seeking early consultation, and Supporting fogging or spraying operations in hotspot areas.
He added that the symptoms of dengue include fever, headache and pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, extreme fatigue and rashes.
“If you have these symptoms, go and see your doctor,” Aray said, adding that the MOH-BARMM has been providing anti-dengue supplies, such as insecticides, to the rural health units and city health offices in the region.
With PNA