Baguio City faces a yearly battle with dengue fever—a mosquito-borne disease that has become an unwelcome fixture in the city’s public health landscape.
While various efforts have been made to control the spread of dengue, the city continues to experience periodic surges in cases, now already pegged at over 5,500, with 12 fatalities reported. Globally, there are an estimated 100 to 400 million infections each year.
To truly address this problem, we need to understand the environmental factors contributing to the annual rise in dengue cases and explore sustainable solutions that can help mitigate this public health crisis.
Environmental causes of dengue
Dengue fever is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. However, the proliferation of this mosquito in Baguio City, despite its relatively cooler climate compared to the lowlands, can be attributed to certain environmental factors.
- Urbanization and Deforestation: Baguio City’s rapid urbanization has led to the destruction of natural habitats, forcing mosquitoes to adapt to urban environments. The conversion of forests and green spaces into residential and commercial areas disrupted the ecological balance, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Standing water in construction sites, clogged drains, and improperly managed waste have become hotspots for mosquito breeding.
- Climate Change: Climate change has exacerbated the dengue problem worldwide, not just in Baguio City. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, such as extended rainy seasons, create favorable conditions for mosquitoes to breed and survive. Warmer temperatures also shorten the breeding cycle of mosquitoes, leading to their increase in numbers and the higher risk of transmission of the dengue virus.
- Water Storage Practices: Due to intermittent water supply issues in Baguio, many residents store water in containers. These containers, if left uncovered or poorly managed, can become breeding sites for mosquitoes. The practice of water storage, while necessary, inadvertently contributes to the dengue problem, especially during the rainy season when water accumulates in various receptacles.
Solutions for tackling dengue at the source
Addressing Baguio City’s dengue problem requires immediate and sustained action. Short-term solutions should focus on reducing mosquito breeding sites and increasing public awareness about dengue prevention.
Community-led cleanup drives should be organized regularly, particularly before and during the rainy season. These drives can focus on eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water in containers, tires, and other debris. Local government units, barangay officials, and community organizations should collaborate to ensure widespread participation.
The city government should continue its surveillance and monitoring efforts in identifying dengue hotspots. Health information campaigns must emphasize the importance of proper waste disposal, water storage practices, and personal protection measures, such as using mosquito repellents and installing screens on windows and doors.
Besides short-term measures, long-term solutions are needed to address the root causes of Baguio City’s dengue problem. Sustainable strategies that focus on environmental management and resilience-building are key to reducing the city’s vulnerability to dengue.
- Urban Planning and Green Infrastructure: The city government should integrate dengue prevention into its urban planning initiatives. Developing green infrastructure, such as parks, wetlands, and green roofs, can help restore ecological balance (to attract good bugs and natural mosquito predators) and reduce mosquito breeding sites. Additionally, ensuring proper drainage and waste management systems in new developments can prevent the accumulation of stagnant water.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Baguio City must prioritize climate change mitigation efforts to address the environmental factors (mainly warmer temperatures) contributing to dengue. This includes implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the city’s resilience to extreme weather events. By helping address climate change, the city can reduce the frequency and intensity of dengue outbreaks.
- Sustainable Water Management: To prevent mosquito breeding in water storage containers, the city government should promote sustainable water management practices. This can include providing residents with access to safe and reliable water sources and encouraging the use of mosquito-proof containers, including rainwater harvesting systems.
The annual rise in dengue cases in Baguio City is a complex issue with deep environmental roots.
Addressing this problem requires a multi-pronged approach that combines short-term interventions with long-term sustainable strategies. By prioritizing environmental management, climate resilience, and public awareness, we can reduce our vulnerability to dengue and protect our health and well-being.
