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DOH Ilocos Urges Renewed ‘4 O’clock Habit’ Amid Rising Dengue Cases

Ilocos Region: The Department of Health in Ilocos Region (DOH-1) has urged local government units (LGUs) and agencies to enhance their efforts in dengue prevention by conducting daily elimination of mosquito-breeding sites at 4 p.m.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-1 Director Paula Paz Sydiongco emphasized the importance of maintaining clean surroundings to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes, which are the primary carriers of the dengue virus. Sydiongco stated that protecting oneself and one’s family is crucial and highlighted the necessity of a collaborative effort in the fight against dengue, involving active participation from everyone.

The regional office has already provided anti-dengue supplies to LGUs in July 2024, which include misting machines, backpack sprayers, insecticides, and Olyset nets. These resources aim to bolster local initiatives, especially in areas witnessing a rise in dengue cases.

LGUs have already put vector control measures in place, such as weekly clean-up drives and misting operations in public areas, to curb mosquito populations.

According to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, 884 dengue cases were recorded from January 1 to February 15, 2025, which is double the 441 cases reported during the same period in 2024. Pangasinan recorded the highest number of cases with 447, followed by La Union with 176, Ilocos Sur with 134, Ilocos Norte with 71, and Dagupan City with 56.