BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Department of Health – Cordillera (DOH – CAR)  reiterates the importance of ensuring prevention and control measures and reminds the public anew to be wary of Dengue and Chikungunya, both mosquito – borne infections.

DOH – CAR Medical Officer IV Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira, in a Kapihan media forum here,  again stressed on the     5S against mosquito – borne infections, namely: Search and destroy breeding sites; Self - protection from mosquito bites; Seek early medical consultation; Support fogging in areas with clustering of cases, and Sustain hydration.

Pira also advises the public to be cautious of symptoms. For Chikungunya,  it include fever, severe joint pain and swelling, headache body pain, nausea, fatigue and  rashes.

 For dengue,  these are  headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrheaand  skin rashes.

In terms of medication, she recommends  to take paracetamol to reduce fever and pain or other medicines prescribed by doctors.  Until dengue is ruled out, do not take Aspirin, Ibufropen or other non – steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the risk of bleeding.

If signs of bleeding is  present (rashes, gum or nose bleeding, passing out of bloody stools) immediately seek medical consultation at your nearest health facility, she said.

DOH – CAR record shows that from January 1 to August 12 of this year, there are 3,671 cases of dengue  recorded in the region  with   infected individuals ranging from two months old  to 95 years old. The figure is  56 percent lower compared to the 8,369 cases recorded during the same period last year.

For Chikungunya, the DOH – CAR reported a sudden spike with the 384 cases recorded from January 1 to August 12, showing an overwhelming increase compared to the two cases recorded during the same period last year.

Of the 384 recorded Chikungunya cases, 382 were from Mountain Province, majority from the   municipality of Paracelis. Two cases were recorded in Ifugao and Baguio City.

In terms of age bracket, the DOH – CAR data shows that infected cases range from nine months  old  to 95 years old.

In the fight against such mosquito – borne infections, the DOH – CAR also highlighted the important role of local government units, especially in widely disseminating the  preventive protocols to their constituents,  and also for all hospitals to ensure the functionality of Dengue fast lanes in their facilities. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)