Tabuk City, Kalinga to declare state of calamity due to rising dengue cases

The local government of Tabuk City, Kalinga will declare a state of calamity on Wednesday due to “the exponential rise in dengue cases.”

During an emergency meeting, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Darwin Estrañero said he will request the Sangguniang Panlungsod to hold a special session on the same day to approve the declaration.

He said this will allow responders to tap into the city’s quick response fund to implement preventive measures.

The mayor said among the measures is the conduct of fogging, misting, and outdoor and indoor residual spraying of houses and schools ahead of the start of face-to-face classes this month.

Estrañero said he will also issue an executive order mobilizing barangay health emergency response teams to assist with community-wide anti-dengue measures.

The City Health Services Office (CHSO) noted a 1,758% increase in dengue cases reported this year, with 762 cases recorded as of July 30, 2022. 

CHSO chief Dr. Henrietta Bagayao said at least 83 patients are currently in both public and private hospitals in the city, while three patients have died.

The CHSO also said it will hold a blood drive at the city hall on Friday for the patients.

It also appealed residents to take preventive measures at home.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said 82,597 dengue cases have been recorded in the country since January.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the total number of cases from January 1 to July 16 was 106% higher compared to the reported cases in the same period last year, with 40,096.

The Health department called on the public to adhere to and exercise the 4S strategy: search and destroy breeding places; secure self-protection; seek early medical consultation; and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA News