The City Health Office (CHO) has reminded Dabawenyos to continue doing the “4 0’clock Habit” or the 4-S strategy to prevent the surge of mosquito-borne diseases, especially that the city has been experiencing occasional downpours.

Data from the CHO Tropical Diseases Division showed that at least 1,193 dengue cases were recorded last year, although the number is around 50 percent lower compared with 2019.

The 4 o’clock habit is part of the 4-S government strategy that stands for search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, employ self-protection measures, seek early consultation, and support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas with reported cases of dengue.

Elizabeth Banzon, head of CHO Tropical Diseases and Nutrition Division, said that her team has been constantly reminding Dabawenyos to practice the 4 o’clock habit or to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites at 4 p.m. daily.

“It is the rainy season, and if you are buying drums, please cover it so that mosquitos cannot breed. Let us check places inside and outside of the houses where mosquitos can breed,” Banzon said in a statement Friday.

Mosquitos carrying the disease are most active at dusk around 4 p.m., she said.

Dabawenyos, she said, should not let their guard down, especially that one of the symptoms of dengue is fever, which is also a manifestation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

However, Banzon said people should not panic if they happen to have a fever, and instead immediately consult with a doctor to identify and treat the disease as soon as possible.

“Fever is one of the symptoms of Covid. It is also one of the symptoms of dengue. [If they have fever], they should be tested immediately in our health centers to know if they have dengue so that doctors will also know where to refer them,” Banzon said.

She said CHO has been conducting fogging in communities and providing treatment for curtains and mosquito nets. They are also distributing mosquito repellents, and multivitamins, and paracetamol.

She also assured that CHO continues to intensify its campaign against dengue, although there are changes to ensure that Covid-19 health protocols are observed.

“Let’s help one another. Do your part in ensuring a clean and safe community that is free from dengue, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Banzon reminded Dabawenyos. (PNA)