LEGAZPI CITY: The Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD-5) is urging the public to practice the "4S" strategy to combat dengue after the region logged a 40-percent increase in cases compared to the same period last year. In a report on Monday, the agency said there were 715 cases from Jan. 1 to July 13, whereas 512 dengue cases were recorded for the same period in 2023. The DOH said among the possible reasons for the increase is the proliferation of breeding sites for dengue-carrying mosquitoes due to the onset of the rainy season. The "4S" means Search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and their containers; Self-protection measures like insect repellent; and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants; Seek early consultation with a doctor or health worker when having symptoms; and Support fogging or spraying in local hotspots or outbreak areas where case increases are registered. The distribution of cases per province is as follows: Albay - - 67; Camarines Norte -- 170; Camarines Sur -- 248; Catanduanes -- 121; Masbate -- 43; Sorsogon -- 62; and from other provinces, with diagnoses made in Bicol -- four. "The DOH-Bicol-CHD calls for strengthened stakeholder engagement and community participation in the Dengue Prevention and Control Program," the report said. Source: Philippines News Agency