Zamboanga City has registered its first dengue mortality for 2020, the City Health Office reported Friday.
City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite said the first dengue death in the city occurred on June 2 and came from barangay Kasanyangan.
As of June 17, the City Health Office has recorded 324 dengue cases in Zamboanga City.
According to Dr. Miravite, barangays with the most number of dengue cases include Sta. Maria, Mercedes, Talon-Talon, Tetuan, and San Roque.
The Department of Health tags dengue fever as one of the diseases to watch out for during rainy season, which occurs between June to October.
On June 12, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the start of the rainy season in the country.
To prevent dengue, the City Health Office advocates the practice of 4S habits – search and destroy mosquito breeding places, self-protection measures, seek early consultation, and say no to indiscriminate fogging.
Residents are encouraged to keep their homes and to clear potential mosquito-breeding places which typically are areas that have stagnant water such as uncovered water containers, flower vases, gutters, unused tires, and others.