Tabuk City in Kalinga placed under state of calamity due to dengue

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – This city has been placed under a state of calamity due to the increasing number of dengue cases.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council led by Mayor Darwin Estrañero made the declaration on Wednesday, August 3.

Three patients here had already died because of dengue.

The decision was based on the City Health Service Office’s report that the 1,758% increase in dengue cases this year with 762 cases recorded as of July 30 is alarming.

Only 37 cases were recorded during the same period last year.

According to Dr. Henrietta Bagayao, health officer, there are 83 patients currently being treated in public and private hospitals in the city and three people have passed away.

According to Estrañero, he will ask the City Council to hold a special session on August 4 to approve the declaration that will allow responders to draw on the city’s quick response fund to implement measures to combat the spread of the disease.

He said, among the measures that need to be implemented in earnest are fogging, misting, and exterior and interior residual spraying in houses and schools before the start of face-to-face classes this month.

Estrañero said he will also issue an executive order to mobilize barangay health emergency response teams to assist in measures against dengue throughout the community.

According to Estrañero, to ensure an adequate supply of blood, the CHSO will hold a blood-letting activity at City Hall on Friday and invites all eligible members of the public to participate.

Meanwhile, the CHSO appeals to the public to take action to prevent dengue and do everything possible to suppress the deadly mosquito.