With the number of dengue fever cases in Baguio City up significantly during the first half of 2016, OIC City Health Officer Dr. Sorayda Clavio said public-private partnership must be strengthened in the fight against the mosquito-borne disease, admitting that the government cannot do it alone.

Aedes albopictus/FotoshopTofs
Aedes albopictus/FotoshopTofs

Dr. Donnabel Tubera, head of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit is calling for concerted efforts to combat the dengue disease. She said the private sector partners, barangay officials and the residents must cooperate to seriously implement the dengue control and prevention measures.

Health officials have  been urging residents to clean their surroundings, practice proper waste management  and to eliminate or destroy the breeding places of the dengue- causing mosquitoes.

During the first nearly six months of 2016, the Philippines has seen a total of 52,177 dengue cases. This compares to 36,972 cases reported in 2015.

Dengue is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). There are 4 serotypes called DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Infection with one serotype produces lifelong immunity against that serotype reinfection. Successive infection with two different serotypes is a risk factor for developing the severe forms of the disease.

The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are transmitters of dengue.

Related: