The DOST Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap (O/L Trap) was launched in Puerto Princesa City on April 15, 2011. Puerto Princesa City was chosen as the venue for the launching because two of its barangays: Brgy. San Pedro and Brgy. San Miguel recorded the highest dengue cases in MIMAROPA Region for 2010 with 290 and 227 cases, respectively.

The dengue incidence in the same barangays was much lower in January to July of 2011 compared to 2010. A decrease in the number of cases was reported by the Department of Health (DOH): 89% in San Pedro and 85% in San Miguel.

Dengue Incidence in MIMAROPA Region

The dengue incidence in the whole region decreased by 71% for the period January to July of 2011 compared to 2010. Occidental Mindoro which reported the smallest number of cases in 2010 (45) decreased by 20%. Romblon with the 2nd smallest number of cases reflected the highest percentage of decrease at 96%, from 166 cases in 2010 to 6 cases only as of date. Marinduque had a 77% decrease in the number of cases, Oriental Mindoro which is second with the most number of dengue cases decreased by 59%, while Palawan decreased by 72%.

Dengue Hotspots

Although with reduced number of cases, Barangays San Pedro and San Miguel in Puerto Princesa City remain to have the most number of dengue cases in the region with 33 and 34 reported cases, respectively. Seven other barangays in Puerto Princesa City two barangays in Quezon, Palawan and one in Bataraza, Palawan which reported a double digit number of dengue cases. Only Brgy. Poblacion in Baco, Oriental Mindoro reported a double-digit number of persons affected with 11 cases.

Remedial Measures

To further help eradicate dengue not only in Puerto Princesa City, but in the entire region as well, the following activities are being undertaken:

Issuance of Dengue Alert Bulletin to the LGUs concerning the following:

1. Activating Dengue Brigade in Dengue hot spot barangays and conduct house to house inspection of all possible breeding sites of mosquitoes

2. Conduct and strengthen IEC campaign on the prevention and control of dengue to increase the awareness on 4-S Kontra Dengue

3. Tapping all sectors of society to participate in Dengue prevention related activities

4. Integrating anti-dengue activities into existing initiatives/activities

Conduct of Observance of the 1st ASEAN Dengue Day in all provinces of MIMAROPA, June 15, 2011

1. Regionwide conduct of Integrated Vector-Borne Diseases Monitoring

2. Distribution of Long-lasting Insecticide Impregnated Nets to the households (in areas where Malaria and Dengue is endemic)

3. Conduct of Dengue-Free School Initiative (Providing Insecticide Treated Curtains and IEC Materials)

4. Consultative meetings in strengthening vector-control programs

5. Launching of OL Traps in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan in coordination with DOST MIMAROPA, and the local government of Puerto Princesa City on April 15, 2011

6. Roll out distribution of OL Traps to the Provinces of MIMAROPA (Still on-going)

7. Providing Logistics such as Sphygmomanometer with pedia cuff, larvicides, and chemicals for fogging operations

8. Orientation and training of all Rural Sanitary inspectors on Dengue Entomology and Vector Surveillance

9. Conduct of Trainings on Dengue Diagnosis and Management as well as giving latest Dengue updates

10. Conduct of Dengue Forums