DOH intensifies anti-dengue drive

Following the massive number of dengue cases reported in the country this year, the Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to observe a habit that will help reduce mosquito density.
The 4’oclock habit, which was relaunched earlier this year, involves mapping out high risk areas in a locality, organizing teams that will undertake critical response activities and establishing a system of communications for better coordination and sustained cooperation.
Since high-risk areas are predominantly in urban centers with poor environmental management of waste, the DOH said that an integrated mosquito control requires efforts of community leaders and citizens to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites.
Also, small-scale environmental or household insect spraying and quality and timely clinical management of dengue patients can also be effective but with uncertain results if not too late, the DOH added.
This dengue control program has already started in households and has reached out to schools and other mosquito-dense areas in the community.
According to the DOH, dengue mosquitoes easily thrive in artificial containers, old tires, puddles and empty coconut shells that are favorite breeding sites for these biting insects.
‘Not an easy fight’
Ona also said that the DOH has inked a pact with the Departments of Interior and Local Government, Science & Technology (DOST), and Education (DepEd) to collaborate on dengue control efforts nationwide.
“Dengue needs urgent action and we need it now. In the absence of the usual cures and vaccines, we have to rely on the basics of early prevention and community action,” he added.
The Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue will be implemented by the DILG in high-risk communities, while a home-grown ovi-larva (OL)-trap technology will be applied in selected, priority schools by DOST and DepEd together with DOH.
Ona also gave pointers on how to undertake the 4 o’clock habit. It is the back-to basics Stop (to take control over mosquitos), Look (to eliminate mosquito-breeding sites) and Listen (to instructions from local authorities, community leaders, or work as supervisors for synchronous implementation of the 4 o’clock habit).
At present, a total of 42,207 cases and 193 deaths were already reported by the National Epidemiology Center for the 23rd morbidity period (January 1 to June 8, this year). Compared to the same period last year, there were 456 fewer cases, representing a one percent decline). [PNA]