BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Department of Health - Cordillera reminds the public to remain vigilant against Dengue even as  cases are  now on the downtrend .

DOH – CAR Entomologist III Alexander Baday issued the reminder during the DOH – CAR led Kapihan media forum here on Wednesday citing that  from January 1 to September 17,   11,594 dengue cases  were recorded in the region,   more than double compared to the  3,745 cases recorded during the same period last year.

The DOH – CAR data shows that most dengue – affected age group are the 11 – 15 years old with 1,623 cases and 16 – 20 years old with 1,614 cases.

Per geographical area, Benguet has the most cases with 3,645, followed by Kalinga with 2,465, Baguio City with 2,260, Apayao with 1,607, Ifugao with 936, Mountain Province with 524, and   Abra with 157 cases.

DOH – CAR also recorded 18 deaths - 7 from Benguet, 4 from Kalinga, 3 from Baguio City and 2 each from Apayao and Mountain Province.

Baday explained  that though dengue cases are on the decreasing trend over the past several weeks, the number of cases being recorded are still within the alert level so the public must not be complacent.

He reiterated  the 4S against Dengue  which are  Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; Self – protection; Seek early consultation and Support fogging  if there is a threat of an outbreak.

He stressed on   the importance of self – protection among school children and clean – up drives inside school campuses with the return of face – to face classes.

Aside from Dengue awareness, the DOH – CAR in the same forum, promoted and gave relevant  information on the observance of National Mental Health and Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Updates on the  Cordillera COVID – 19 situationer and on the accomplishments on the vaccination program were also presented. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)