Laoag City Health Officer Renato Mateo has confirmed four positive dengue cases in the city. Mateo made this announcement during the regular staff meeting conducted at the City Hall on July 10. However, Mateo immediately mentioned that is no longer alarming since the dengue victims are now in all good condition. Just the same, Mateo asked the help of the public to observe cleanliness in their respective houses and surroundings as dirty and unsanitary places are prime breeding places for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Mateo also informed the public of the symptoms of dengue victims which include on-and-off fever and chilling. The city health officer added that those suffering from these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor or be brought to the nearest hospital for proper treatment. The dengue victims in the city were from Barangay Cabungaan, La Paz, Talingaan and Buttong. An immediate fumigation of the identified barangays was also recommended to check the further spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. The victims are all currently confined at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMH&MC) in Batac, Ilocos Norte. Ms Rowena Nicolas, city health nurse I, said there were a total of 11 dengue cases last year. These dengue cases were all treated. In a related development, Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas has instructed the city General Services Office (GSO) to assist in the conduct of fumigation to the barangays as he stressed that the identified barangays should be prioritized. Fariñas also advised the city Department of Education (DepEd) to continue fumigating the different schools in the city as there is an appropriation of P150,000 for fumigation purposes. Reacting to this, city DepEd Superintendent Cecilia P. Aribuabo said fumigation has started for Laoag schools. Aribuabo also advised all school heads to maintain and observe the Oplan Dalus Code as this would maintain cleanliness in schools. Fariñas has also asked the local finance committee to look for funding for the purchase of resigen for the Day-Care Centers (DCC) in the city as no budget had been allocated for DCC fumigation. Meanwhile, GSO head Larry Mariano also confirmed that their office distributed fogging chemicals and gasoline to all school supervisors before classes opened in June. Dominic B. dela Cruz
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