The Davao City Health Office has called on Dabawenyos suffering from fever, even if the illness is just a day old, to immediately visit the nearest health centers so they could be subjected to rapid diagnostic test for possible dengue infection.
“Early assessment and referral are crucial as the dengue strain has become widespread,” said Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, the City Health Officer.
Villafuerte said that health centers in the city now use NS1 (non-structural protein 1) dengue test kits, which allows the rapid detection of the deadly mosquito-borne disease even if the fever is still on its first day.
She said the test is 90 percent accurate and reliable and should discourage those opting for home treatment for fever and those taking self-medication.
The availability of the test, she said, should also compel Dabawensyos to undergo early detection of dengue infection.
“It is for free in the health centers all over the city. Dabawenyos just have to consult health officers as soon as they suffer fever or go straight to hospitals to avoid the dengue shock syndrome or hemorrhagic fever,” Villafuerte said.
The CHO has been conducting an intensified anti-dengue campaign that covers all of the city’s 182 barangays.
Villafuerte also reiterated the need for regular cleaning of surroundings, which entails eliminating stagnant water. Dabawenyos, she said, should practice the 4 o’clock habit. CIO
