The Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Bohol has reported a significant increase in dengue cases, with almost 5,000 cases logged from January to August 10, 2024. 

In response, the PHO is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to create a dengue task force in each of the two divisions in the province.

According to PHO OIC Tomas Cezar Lopez, most of the dengue patients are elementary school learners, and education officials should take steps to protect them from the disease. 

Lopez will be sending communications to DepEd Bohol division and Tagbilaran City division to request the creation of a task force.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jane Yap of Tagbilaran City has convened an emergency meeting with health stakeholders to address the rising dengue cases in the city. 

As of August 10, 2024, there were 411 dengue cases logged in the city. 

The meeting resulted in the formation of a dengue task force called Limpio Tagbilaran (Clean Tagbilaran), which aims to prevent the spread of dengue through various measures, including: implementing a fast lane at the City Health Office (CHO) to expedite medical attention for suspected or confirmed dengue cases; distributing larvicides to eliminate mosquito larvae; conducting fogging or misting activities to drive away mosquitoes; and launching a clean-up drive to remove places where stagnant water may accumulate, which can become breeding places for mosquitoes

Mayor Yap also encouraged people with dengue symptoms to seek medical attention immediately, as early medical intervention increases the chance of recovery.

In related news, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has suggested that tawa-tawa tea may help relieve dengue symptoms, although it has not been approved as an accepted treatment for dengue. 

DOST-Bohol chief Vina Antopina recommended the consumption of tawa-tawa tea, citing its potential benefits for dengue patients. 

However, experts emphasize that proper medical attention is still the best course of action when dengue symptoms appear.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) chairman on health and sanitation, Board Member Romulo Cepedoza, has also called on Boholanos to clean their surroundings to prevent the spread of dengue. 

He said that cleaning the surroundings and removing all possible mosquito breeding places is the most effective way to prevent dengue.

PHO has reported that 13 Boholanos have died due to dengue, and the public is urged to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

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