Start With the Places Mosquitoes Love
BACOLOD - The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital reported 50 dengue admissions from October 1 to 14, with 38 patients coming from Bacolod City and representing 16 barangays. The hospital has urged residents to take personal protection and environmental sanitation seriously as part of preventing further mosquito breeding and transmission. One of the easiest steps is to remove standing water from pails, flower vases, old tires, cans, bottles, and other containers every week. Water drums and storage containers should also be covered tightly, while yards can be kept clear of unnecessary containers, tall grass, and weeds.
Protect Yourself Before the Mosquito Bites
Prevention does not stop with cleaning the surroundings. Residents can use mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin, while mosquito nets can provide added protection, especially when sleeping during the daytime. Keeping doors and windows fitted with intact screens can also reduce opportunities for mosquitoes to enter the home. These small habits can become easier when they are included in the family's normal routine rather than treated as something to do only when dengue cases increase. A household that checks its water containers and outdoor spaces regularly is already taking an active step toward protecting its members.
Don't Wait for Fever to Become Severe
Being prepared also means knowing when to seek medical advice. CLMMRH reminded residents to consult their nearest health center or PhilHealth YAKAP provider at the first sign of fever instead of waiting for symptoms to worsen, giving patients a better opportunity to receive appropriate medical attention early. Community action matters too, and a recent call in Bacolod urged health offices, barangays, schools, and other groups to strengthen coordinated dengue prevention, surveillance, sanitation, and information efforts. Rather than allowing fear to take over, families can focus on what they can control: remove breeding places, protect themselves from mosquito bites, keep their surroundings clean, and respond promptly when someone becomes sick. When these actions are practiced across neighborhoods, prevention becomes a shared effort that can help make Bacolod healthier and better prepared.
