Provincial Task Force Against Emerging & Re-Emerging Diseases Alerted
[wp-svg-icons icon="user" wrap="span"] By: Maricel A. Florentino - [wp-svg-icons icon="calendar" wrap="span"] Date: March 23, 2018
Photo by: PITO-LU
HEALTHY LA UNION. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Hector T. Beñas leads the Provincial Task Force Against Emerging & Re-Emerging Diseases meeting on March 12, 2018 at the La Union Technology and Livelihood Development Center (LUTLDC) in the City of San Fernando, La Union. The meeting focused on updates on the current situation of dengue, chikungunya and other diseases to prevent unnecessary public fear and panic.
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) led by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III has convened the Provincial Task Force Against Emerging & Re-Emerging Diseases on March 12, 2018 at the La Union Technology and Livelihood Development Center (LUTLDC) in the City of San Fernando, La Union.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Hector T. Beñas reported that the whole province of La Union is Malaria free. However, the task force reported a rising number of chikungunya cases. In pursuit of “Healthy La Union, Happy La Union by 2025,” this situation is under control and is expected to improve over time as the task force immediately addressed the issue to prevent the onset of outbreaks.
Department of Health – Region 1 (DOH-R1) – Environmental and Sanitary Engineer Ashley B. Antonio, served as the main speaker of the engagement. He talked about important tips in combatting dengue and other mosquito borne diseases through the DOH’s 4S Kontra Dengue Campaign. He discussed the Search and Destroy tactic in inspecting businesses and households as means of seeking out potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. He stressed that self-protection must also be practiced through proper clothing and various mosquito repellants. With dengue, time is of the essence as Engr. Antonio said that seeking consultation is essential and should not be delayed when there is a suspected case. Lastly, when there is an impending outbreak, Engr. Antonio recommends to say “yes” to fogging. He advocates that such practices should be institutionalized down to the barangay level in order to be more effective in eradicating or mitigating vector-borne diseases.
Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega serves as the Honorary Chair of the said task force whereas Dr. Hector T. Beñas, Provincial Health Officer, is the Team Leader. The focus of the meeting centered on updates with regard to dengue, chikungunya and other vector-borne diseases. It was attended by hospital chiefs, members of the La Union Provincial Police Office (LUPPO), and representatives from different key agencies.
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