Schools to get dengue nets from DOH

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) will distribute insecticide-treated nets to selected elementary schools where there is high incidence of dengue.

Dengue cases have neared the one million mark from Jan. 1 to Sept. 19, or 23.5 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

DOH Secretary Janette Garin said dengue screens would be given to schools in Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions 3, 4-A, 7 and 8.

Garin said dengue nets could be installed on windows or used as curtains on the first floor of the schools.

She said these nets release a certain chemical that kills mosquitoes and is also effective against other insects, including cockroaches, flies and bees.

Garin said the chemicals in dengue nets are not harmful to children. She said these nets could last up to five years.

Garin said the DOH has allocated P240 million for the project.

She allayed fears on the rising number of dengue cases, saying it was lower compared to 2012 and 2013. She added the number of deaths is lower this year.

She also gave assurance the DOH is monitoring the situation.

DOH records show Central Luzon has the highest number of cases with 14,127; Calabarzon, 14,082; Metro Manila, 10,385; Ilocos, 8,136; Northern Mindanao, 6,451 Cagayan Valley, 5,677 and Socsksargen, 5,552.