CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Oriental Mindoro province is tackling with a severe dengue outbreak as health officials report a staggering 2,219 cases as of July 18, 2024, prompting urgent calls for community action and heightened preventive measures.

The alarming figure marks a significant increase from the 1,855 cases reported just days earlier, underscoring the rapid spread of the mosquito-borne disease across the province. This year’s count has already far surpassed the total of 1,427 cases recorded for the entire year of 2023, with eight fatalities reported so far in 2024.

In the town of Mansalay, early this July health officials have declared a state of calamity due to dengue outbreak.

Calapan City, the provincial capital, leads with 522 dengue cases, followed by Mansalay with 403 cases.

Other heavily affected areas include Roxas (178 cases), Bulalacao (176), Naujan (149), Bongabong (147), and Pinamalayan (136).

In Pinamalayan town, local health authorities have confirmed 136 dengue cases, with more data still incoming from various barangays. Bansud town has recorded 88 cases, a number expected to rise as new reports come in.

Provincial Administrator Hubbert Christopher A. Dolor emphasized the gravity of the situation during a recent flag ceremony. “We must not disregard the rising number of dengue cases,” Dolor said, calling for immediate action from both officials and residents.

Dr. Cielo Angela Ante, the Provincial Health Officer, echoed this concern and urged government employees to lead by example in implementing the 4S campaign against dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Say yes to fogging in hotspot areas.

“We need to be proactive not only in our workplaces but also in our homes to prevent further spread of dengue,” Dr. Ante stated.

In response to the outbreak, the Provincial Health Office has issued a Dengue Watch Advisory, outlining specific preventive measures for residents:

1. Clean and inspect potential mosquito breeding grounds
2. Use self-protection against mosquitoes
3. Seek immediate medical attention if dengue symptoms appear
4. Support fogging and misting in areas with reported cases in the past two weeks

The advisory also recommends using mosquito repellent lotions or sprays and maintaining cleanliness around homes, particularly in areas where water might collect and become breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Local health officials are promoting the “4 o’clock habit,” encouraging residents to dedicate time daily to search for and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. The campaign slogan “Let’s Crush Dengue! Para hindi mag-Landing on You” aims to mobilize community efforts against the disease.

As the province battles this health crisis, authorities are calling for heightened community awareness and participation in dengue prevention efforts. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, maintain clean surroundings, and seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rash.

The Provincial Health Office continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public to cooperate with local health initiatives to curb the spread of dengue in Oriental Mindoro. With cases still on the rise, officials stress that community involvement is crucial in controlling this outbreak and preventing further casualties.