Marikina residents advised to to take precautions vs. dengue

Residents of Marikina City areas that are prone to flooding were advised to take precautions against dengue.

This is in line with June being Dengue Prevention Month, in accordance with Proclamation No. 1204 issued in 1998, according to a report by Bam Alegre on Unang Balita on Tuesday.

Barangay Tumana is one of the flood-prone areas in Marikina City since it is near Marikina River.

Aside from having to deal with floods, residents also have to be mindful of the floodwaters that are left stagnant. These may serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying the virus which may cause dengue infection.

Although the dredging of Marikina River has helped lessen the threat of flooding in the area, residents still have to take the necessary measures to prevent dengue.

"Sinasabihan ng [barangay] chairman namin na mag-iwas na magbabad ng tubig, mag-stock, kasi pinagbabahayan ng mga hayop na nakakasira sa kalusugan ng mga kabataan natin at sa mga bata," Victor de Dios, tanod of Barangay Tumana, said. 

(Our barangay chairman has been reminding residents to avoid allowing water to collect and be stagnant because this may serve as breeding ground for insects that could affect the health of the youth and children.)

The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded the public to keep their surroundings clean to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in their areas.

According to DOH data, dengue cases in the first quarter of this year went up by 94% as compared to the same period last year.

Dengue cases totaled 27,670 for January 1 to March 18, 2023. 

The total dengue cases for January 1 to March 18, 2022 on the other hand reached only 14,278.

The DOH has been reminding the public to observe the 4S strategy to combat dengue:

• Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites
• Secure self-protection measures
• Seek early consultation
• Support fogging and spraying

—KG, GMA Integrated News