By Connie Calipay

DENGUE PREVENTION. The dengue virus-carrying aedes aegypti mosquito. The Albay Provincial Health Office has distributed insecticide-treated nets and informational materials as part of ongoing efforts to curb dengue cases. (PNA file photo)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Albay Provincial Health Office (PHO) has distributed insecticide-treated nets and informational materials as part of ongoing efforts to combat dengue.

The PHO reported on Friday that 770 rolls of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) were distributed to City Health Offices (CHOs), Rural Health Units (RHUs), and Municipal Health Offices (MHOs) throughout the province.

MHOs in Daraga, Camalig, Jovellar and Guinobatan; RHUs in Polangui, Pio Duran, Libon, Oas, Tiwi, Malinao, Malilipot, Bacacay and Sto. Domingo; and CHOs in Ligao City and Tabaco City received the LLINs.

According to a report from the Albay Public Information Office, the PHO has recorded 25 cases of dengue as of Jan. 22 — seven in Tabaco City; four in Ligao City; two each in the towns of Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Malinao, Bacacay, Polangui and Oas; and one case each in Guinobatan and Libon.

The PHO also provided informational materials on dengue, as well as schistosomiasis and leprosy clinical pathways.

The health office urged the Albayanos to practice the “4S” strategy to combat dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and their containers; Self-protection measures like insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants; Seek early consultation with a doctor or health worker when having symptoms; and Support fogging or spraying in local hotspots or outbreak areas where case increases are registered. (PNA)