By Marie Tonette Marticio  TACLOBAN City - The City Health Office here is calling on the public to maintain the cleanliness of the environment amidst the increasing number of dengue cases this year. Dr. Gloria Fabrigas, city health officer said they have already recorded 117 cases and three deaths because of the disease in the last seven weeks. "We continue to call on the public to search and destroy (breeding areas) of mosquitos and to practice the 5S advocacy," she said. The Dengue 5S are:

• Search and destroy the areas where the mosquitoes breed;

• Secure self-protection by wearing long-sleeved clothes and use anti-mosquito products;

• Seek early consultation especially if fever does not stop within two days;

• Start early hydration; and

• Say no to indiscriminate fogging and spraying except for areas where there are recorded clustering of cases.

"If you have fever for more than two days you should have yourself checked immediately and drink lots of water because the most common cause of death for children is dehydration. This usually results to accute renal failure or accute tubular necrosis," she explained.