The local government has asked residents to be vigilant and implement dengue-prevention measures.

City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite said that while there is no outbreak declared, dengue cases have been on the rise, with 505 cases and 9 deaths recorded for this year.

According to Dr. Miravite, statistical trends also indicate that dengue outbreaks occur every 2 to 3 years. Zamboanga City’s last dengue outbreak occurred in 2019.

“The more that we ask people to be vigilant, especially na diaton 4S,” said Dr. Miravite.

The 4S campaign stands for: Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure Self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas where

increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak. To date, the barangays with most number of dengue cases are: Mercedes (27), San Roque (27), Putik (24), Divisoria (19), Zambowood (18), San Jose Gusu (16), Boalan (14), Culianan (13), Quiniput (5), and Pasobolong (5).  (Jasmine Mohammadsali)