Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the national government, local government entities, the private sector, and communities to step up their collaboration efforts to curb the country’s rising number of dengue fever cases.

Go, chairman of the Senate Health and Demography Committee, expressed his concern regarding the rise in dengue cases in 15 out of 17 regions in the country, saying that the number has already surpassed the total number of cases last year.

Thus, he called on the Department of Health (DOH), local government units (LGUs), private sector and communities to closely collaborate and implement more rigorously the enhanced 4-S strategy against dengue.

The 4-S strategy stands for (1) “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, (2) “Secure Self Protection” from mosquito bite, (3) “Seek Early Consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur, and (4) “Say Yes to Fogging”.

“Let us do more in order to unburden further our people who are presently struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

A major public health concern, dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that can quickly spread to certain areas especially where there are spaces or containers holding stagnant water. These areas are known breeding grounds of mosquitoes, which Go stressed must be mitigated.

The DOH reported on Monday that 64,797 cases were documented nationwide between January 1 and June 25. 

That is an increase of 90 percent from the same period last year. Meanwhile, 274 individuals have died from dengue this year, representing a case fatality rate of 0.4 percent.

The DOH said the country's rising dengue cases are already a matter of concern because of a few severe cases while some are now being admitted to hospitals.

Earlier, the senator from Davao advised Filipinos to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness in their homes and surroundings to prevent and manage potential breakouts of rainy-day diseases like dengue fever while the nation is still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Go reminded Filipinos that they can seek medical assistance from the government through any of the 151 Malasakit Centers across the country.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together all government agencies that offer medical assistance programs, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Go has also proposed the establishment of Super Health Centers in key areas across the country, saying that improved access to quality public health services in the grassroots could be attained with such facilities.