The Department of Health has asked local officials in Central Visayas to make mandatory the cleaning of residential areas and their surroundings mandatory for the whole year to clear communities of potential breeding areas of the deadly dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Central Visayas has recorded a continuing increase in dengue cases this year with more than 970 cases and 22 deaths, from January 1 to February 20. The region ranks number one nationwide in the dengue mortality rate last year and also has the third highest morbidity rate next to the National Capital Region and Region 3.
Dr. Jocy Abellana, head of the DoH-7 Department of Communicable Diseases, said this could be contained if every province in Central Visayas would enforce an ordinance that will make people responsible for the cleanliness of their surroundings.
“People who failed to clean their own surroundings which could be a breeding site for dengue mosquito should be punished,” said Dr. Abellana.
Abellana there is a need to have such ordinance, as environmental sanitation is the best way to prevent dengue. She added that fighting dengue should not be left alone to the DOH. The cooperation and involvement of every sector in the community, and local government units, are needed, she said.
Meanwhile at the Cebu City Council, Councilor Gerardo Carillo said he is finalizing the draft ordinance that would penalize lot owners whose properties have become health hazards. The proposed ordinance would impose a P5,000 fine on violators. — Jasmin R. Uy/RAE