PHO steps up anti-dengue campaign

SAN JOSE, Antique — Amid reports of increasing dengue cases early this year, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has intensified its campaign against the disease.
Since January, the PHO has already recorded 30 dengue cases in the province, said the supervising sanitary inspector, Teresita Vergara.
The PHO headed by Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo called on the different sectors to help ward off mosquitoes.

The current weather condition — intermittent rain showers and sunny days — is conducive for dengue-causing mosquitoes to thrive.
Of the 18 towns in the province, only six — Anini-y, Laua-an, Sebaste, Pandan, Libertad and the island of Caluya — has no reported cases, Vergara said.
Summer months can also caused dengue-causing mosquitoes to multiply when water are getting scarce and people tend to store it in containers uncovered, she stressed.
“We enjoin everyone to properly cover water containers to ensure they are not contaminated and will not serve as breeding places of mosquitoes,” she added.
PHO reiterated its campaign on the 4S strategy to ward off mosquitoes. This include:
* Search and destroy operations of breeding places of mosquitoes like stagnant clear waters in tin cans, old tires, plastic containers water vases, etc.
* Self-protection; since dengue is a low-flying and day-biting mosquito, children are advised to wear long pants even during day time.
* Seek early medical attention when patients suffer from signs and symptoms of dengue such as high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, and
* Say no to indiscriminate fogging, because it is considered temporary solution to the problem.
It cannot get rid of the larvae; instead, it will only drive away mosquitoes to find new breeding places. Fogging is only advisable when there are epidemics and outbreaks.
Local government officials are urged to undertake massive information dissemination and mobilize community involvement in cleanliness and sanitation. (Pilar S. Mabaquiao/PIA/PN)