Health department warns public against dengue

CEBU, Philippines - Be careful with your dish drains and water dispensers.

A public health official is airing this reminder as the rainy season brings with it the problem of Aedes aegypti, the dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Dr. Jocelyn Abellana, the Dengue Program coordinator of the Center for Health Development Central Visayas, said that dish drains and water dispensers are the two main causes of dengue in Cebu City.

Cebu City recorded the highest numbers of cases and deaths in Cebu at 546 and six, respectively, for the period of January to July 10 this year. 

Talisay City reported 132 cases and one death, Danao City had 105 cases, and Lapu-lapu City, 102 cases.

Abellana emphasized that people should clean and drain the water from their dish drains and water dispensers everyday. Contrary to popular belief that the dengue-carrying mosquitoes could be found in dirty canals, clean, stagnant water indoors are more prone to the Aedes aegypti.

Eastern Visayas has the most number of dengue cases in the Philippines followed by the National Capital Region and Region 4, Region 12, Region 7 and Davao as the lowest number of dengue cases.

To prevent the spread of dengue, the health department is advocating for people to practice the four “S.”

The four “S” are the “search and destroy,” which means people should throw away stagnant water in containers; the “seek early referral,” which calls for immediate consultation with doctors if one has a high temperature; “say no to fogging,” as fogging must be done only if there is an outbreak and “seek personal protection,” which is the wearing of long sleeves and long pants before sunrise and after sun down. — Karen Joy S. Vicentillo, Jessan D. Guillemer /JPM (THE FREEMAN)