Bontoc, Mountain Province – The Bontoc Municipal Health Office (MHO) has once more reminded the public to be cautious about their health, as the said office recorded an increase in three notifiable diseases that are caused by water-borne and/ or insect bites.

Per record from the MHO, 93 dengue cases, 16 typhoid fever cases, and 29 cases of Acute Blood Diarrhea were recorded from January–July 2024.

Of the total dengue cases, Barangay Guina-ang recorded the highest with 23, Samoki-17, Bontoc Ili-14, Caluttit-10, Poblacion-eight , Mainit-five, Dalican-four, Gonogon-three, two each for Barangays Maligcong, Talubin and Tocucan, and one each for Alab Oriente, Alab Proper and Bayyo. As of this writing, Barangays Balili and Can-eo have no reported dengue cases.

As an immediate response, the MHO informed the concerned midwives of the cases; clean-up drive; intensified Information Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on the preventive measures of dengue; and Oplan Taob were conducted in Barangays Samoki, Poblacion, Dalican, Bontoc Ili, Caluttit, Guina-ang, Mainit, and Tocucan.

Also, Ollyset treated nets which were provided by the Department of Health (DOH) were turned over to the schools.

Likewise, health officials advised the public to follow and practice the 5S anti-dengue method. The 5S stands for Search and destroy mosquito breeding places; Safe protection measures; Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days; Say yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak; and Sustained Hydration.

In addition, health officials recommended some Self- protection including wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when going out and using mosquito repellant. The suspected dengue–infected patients are advised to seek treatment if symptoms of high fever, joint, and muscle pain, weakness, skin rashes, nose bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting, dark–colored stools, and breathing problems last for more than two days.

On typhoid fever and Acute Bloody Diarrhea cases, the public is reminded to take precautionary measures and is encouraged to boil the water first before drinking since boiling is the surest method to kill disease-causing germs, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.