The Philippine health department on September 10, sent a warning against dengue fever in the midst of an outbreak in many areas in and around the capital
The Philippine health department on September 10, sent a warning against dengue fever in the midst of an outbreak in many areas in and around the capital.
From this year’s January 1 to August 29, 167 deaths and 13,468 cases of dengue have been reported, said the department.In order to control the outbreak, the health department is working in collaboration with the local officials of the affected areas, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque. “The president has ordered me to keep dengue under control and make sure it does not reach epidemic proportions,” he said.
“The public should not let fogging operations being conducted by local governments because it might worsen the dengue problem in your areas,” Eric Tayag, director of National Epidemiology Center, the Department of Health (DOH) told reporters.
According to previous reports, fogging operations only drive away the mosquitoes to other areas, hence are not effective. Tayag said, “Communities with rising number of dengue cases should coordinate with DOH for "search and destroy" operations against dengue mosquitoes. The effective way is to identify and destroy the breeding grounds of mosquitoes.”
Duque agreed with him. “This operation is inexpensive because it will only require the demolition of all possible mosquito breeding places that include old tires, coconut husks, roof gutters, discarded bottles, flower vases and all stagnant, clean water,” he said.
The department advised parents to take their kids to doctor without delay, if they get fever. Express lanes, for suspect cases of dengue, have been set up in hospitals, said Tayag. “The express lanes will provide faster case management and treatment. All suspected cases should be brought immediately to the nearest health facility so they can be checked at once.”
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Source-Medindia
GYT
