Dengue Prevention Tips: Protect Your Household Amid Rising Cases in Baguio City

Baguio City is facing an alarming surge in dengue cases, with the city recording the highest number of dengue-related deaths in the Cordillera region this year. From January 1 to August 3, 2024, there have been 10 dengue-related deaths in Baguio, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. The Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) has reported a staggering 347 percent increase in dengue cases in Baguio, with 2,688 cases recorded in the first 31 weeks of this year compared to just 601 cases during the same period last year.

This rise is attributed to various factors, including increased mosquito breeding due to heavy rains and improper waste disposal. The situation is critical, and it’s essential for residents to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of dengue. Here are some practical measures you can take to protect your home and loved ones:

1. Eliminate Standing Water

• Action: Regularly inspect and remove any water that has collected in containers like plant pots, buckets, and old tires. Make sure to change water in vases and pet dishes at least once a week.
• Why It’s Important: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so removing these potential breeding sites is crucial for preventing dengue.

2. Keep Your Surroundings Clean

• Action: Dispose of items that can collect water, and regularly clean and trim your yard to reduce mosquito habitats.
• Why It’s Important: A clean environment with fewer places for mosquitoes to hide helps reduce the risk of dengue.

3. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens

• Action: Install screens on windows and doors, and use mosquito nets over beds, especially for vulnerable family members like children and the elderly.
• Why It’s Important: These barriers help keep mosquitoes out of your home, reducing the chances of being bitten.

4. Apply Mosquito Repellents

• Action: Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing, particularly when outdoors.
• Why It’s Important: Repellents can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites, helping to prevent dengue.

5. Wear Protective Clothing

• Action: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed shoes when spending time outside, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
• Why It’s Important: Covering up reduces skin exposure to mosquito bites, providing extra protection against dengue.

6. Support Fogging Operations

• Action: Participate in and support local fogging operations by making your home accessible to fogging teams.
• Why It’s Important: Community fogging helps reduce the mosquito population in areas with high dengue risk.

7. Use Indoor Insecticides

• Action: Use indoor insecticides, such as sprays, coils, or electric vaporizers, in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Why It’s Important: Indoor insecticides can help eliminate mosquitoes that have already entered your home.

8. Be Aware of Dengue Symptoms

• Action: Be alert for symptoms like high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms appear.
• Why It’s Important: Early detection and treatment can prevent the progression of dengue to a more severe form.

9. Educate Your Family and Community

• Action: Share dengue prevention tips with family, friends, and neighbors. Participate in local clean-up drives and educational campaigns.
• Why It’s Important: Dengue prevention is more effective when the entire community is informed and involved.

10. Consult Health Professionals

• Action: Stay updated on health advisories from local authorities and consult a doctor if you suspect anyone in your household has dengue.
• Why It’s Important: Professional medical advice is crucial for managing dengue and ensuring the health and safety of your family.

By implementing these tips, you can help protect your household from dengue and contribute to the broader effort to reduce the spread of this disease in Baguio City. Stay vigilant and proactive to keep your community safe.

SOURCES: Department of Health, DOH-CAR, World Health Organization