DOH warns public of rise in ‘chikungunya’ cases

CEBU, Philippines — Regional health authorities enjoin households and local officials to initiate preventive and proactive measures in combating mosquito population on rainy days even if dengue cases here are declining.

Significantly, an outbreak of a mosquito borne disease called “chikungunya” has reemerged in the island town of Maripipi in Biliran province, Region 8 wherein cases have grown rapidly.

Department of Health in Region 7 Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas said the same situation may happen in the region if people loosen up their guard since this disease is endemic in the country.

“No new cases are reported this time but it is endemic in the region,” he told The FREEMAN.

The surveillance team of DOH-7 observes no significant change in the current situation hereof chikungunya.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, cluster head of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit of DOH-7, said cases of chikungunya here in Central Visayas remain low.

But in Maripipi of Eastern Visayas, the local government unit earlier placed the town under state of calamity after an outbreak was declared there affecting initially 76 people.

The number then rose to 101 according to recent count.

Local health officials said the public should not be complacent.

Bernadas said people should bank on executing precautionary actions especially that rainy days are expected ahead.

Thunderstorms, which bring about rains, are predicted to be frequent in August and September.

Stagnant rainwater is favorable for mosquitoes to breed.

Bernadas said households should clean their backyard daily and throw water that are stuck in unused wheels, flower vases, and open cans, among others.

He added adults should make sure that all containers where water is stored are covered properly.

Bernadas said the regional office is also advocating for the activation of barangay-based dengue brigades that will intensify sanitation and cleanliness in the surroundings.

He said DOH-7 is also assisting local government units and school administrators for vector-control measures such as conducting misting, if necessary, or using of insecticide-treated nets and curtains.

Moreover, Bernadas said that this prevention campaign has been existent since this goes the same with dengue.

Dengue cases, on the other hand, in the region are slowly decreasing.

“It’s (chikungunya) a mosquito borne disease, same specie with dengue. Like dengue, it’s self-limiting because it’s a viral disease,” he said.

He explained that patient will still manifest rashes but there will be no bleeding complications. Instead, the patient will experience residual arthritis that may continue as chronic from three months to one year.

People displaying symptoms or manifestations are advised to immediately consult a doctor or visit the nearest health center in the village. (FREEMAN)