The municipality of Narra has emerged as the frontrunner in dengue cases across Palawan, surpassing larger urban areas like Taytay and Puerto Princesa City.
Data released by Vector Borne MIMAROPA reveals that Narra has reported a total of 102 dengue cases, with two unfortunate fatalities. This surpasses Taytay’s 101 cases and Puerto Princesa City’s 70 cases, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The municipality recorded 489 cases in 2023 alone, resulting in two tragic deaths. This surge in cases places Narra at the forefront of the dengue crisis in Palawan, overshadowing neighboring municipalities.
Narra’s plight is not isolated, as it also ranks second in the entire MIMAROPA Region for dengue cases, trailing behind Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, which reported 108 cases. This regional comparison underscores the widespread nature of the dengue outbreak, necessitating urgent action and intervention measures.
Across Palawan, the dengue situation remains grim, with a total of 556 cases and 9 fatalities reported from January to March 2024. These figures highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on communities.
Dengue, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can have severe effects on the human body. Symptoms range from high fever and severe headaches to bleeding gums and internal bleeding. In severe cases, dengue can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can result in organ failure and death. Prompt medical intervention is crucial in managing the symptoms and preventing fatalities.
The Chairman of Narra’s Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Health has issued a call to action. Barangays now are urged to establish Dengue Task Forces to spearhead efforts in maintaining environmental cleanliness.
This initiative is particularly crucial during El Niño, as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, exacerbating the dengue threat.
To combat the spread of dengue, community members are urged to take proactive measures such as:
Eliminating Breeding Sites: Regularly emptying containers that can collect water, such as flower pots, tires, and buckets, to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Applying Insect Repellent: Using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to prevent mosquito bites, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
Wearing Protective Clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to reduce exposed skin and minimize the risk of mosquito bites.
Using Mosquito Nets: Sleeping under mosquito nets, especially for infants and young children, to provide additional protection against mosquito bites while sleeping.
Promoting Community Cleanliness: Engaging in community clean-up drives to remove potential mosquito breeding sites and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
By implementing these preventive measures, communities can effectively mitigate the spread of dengue and protect themselves from this potentially deadly disease. Urgent action and collaboration among residents, local authorities, and health organizations are essential to combatting the dengue epidemic in Narra and across Palawan.