The Bulacan Provincial Health Office - Public Health (PHO-PH) called for the strict implementation of the 5S - Search and destroy breeding sites, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultations, Support fogging or spraying during impending outbreak, and Sustain Hydration - against dengue amid the rising cases in the province.

Throw out or dispose of containers that may become breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.(Freddie Velez)

According to the latest Dengue advisory of the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), a total of 3,805 suspected dengue cases were reported in the province which is 85 percent higher compared to the cases during the same period last year.

In addition, six dengue-related deaths were recorded since the start of the year.

Five barangays from Angat and Santa Maria; four from Marilao; two from Cities of Meycauayan and San Jose del Monte, Calumpit, San Miguel, and San Rafael; and one from the City of Malolos, Bulakan, Bustos, Pandi, Paombong, and San Ildefonso are considered to be dengue hotspots or those with cases that continue to increase in consecutive weeks.

Governor Daniel Fernando reminded Bulakenyos to throroughly clean areas that can harbor mosquitoes such as broken tires, flower vases, and stagnant or non-flowing water inside and outside the houses.

“Bukod po sa ating mga ginagawang pag-iingat, mahalaga rin na kung mayroong dinaramdam sa ating katawan katulad ng lagnat na higit na sa dalawang araw ay magpatingin agad sa ating mga health center o district hospital upang maagapan at hindi na lumala pa,” (Aside from these precautions, it is also important that if we start getting sick and develop fever that lasts for more than two days, immediately seek consultation from your health center or district hospitals )," the governor said.

Fernando said the symptoms of dengue include high and continuous fever that lasts from one to seven days, redness of the skin due to high fever, loss of appetite, dizziness and vomiting, and nose or gum bleeding.