Synchronized cleanup drive vs dengue launched

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III yesterday led the start of the regional synchronized dengue cleanup drive in Metro Manila.

The event held in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City aims to encourage communities to practice the daily activities to prevent the spread of the disease, according to Duque.

Similar cleanup drives were held simultaneously across Metro Manila in coordination with the local government units, Commission on Higher Education and Departments of Education, Interior and Local Government, and Science and Technology. 

Based on the Department of Health (DOH)’s dengue surveillance report, Metro Manila has exceeded the alert threshold on July 27. 

The number of dengue cases in the National Capital Region reached 11,123 as of Aug. 10, according to the DOH.

While the figure is eight percent lower than the number of dengue cases recorded during the same period last year, Duque said this is 33 percent higher than the five-year average.

He warned the public that the situation in Metro Manila may reach epidemic level if the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes is not prevented. 

“I encourage the public to practice daily the 4S Strategy: search and destroy, self-protection measure, seek early consultation when symptomatic and support space spraying in identified areas with clustering of cases,” he said. 

He disclosed plans to institutionalize a fifth S or Stay hydrated, noting the importance of hydration in managing the dengue fever.

Duque said synchronized cleanup activities would be conducted in other regions, particularly in areas where the number of dengue cases has reached epidemic proportions. 

The DOH also conducted vector control measures such as the installation of ovitraps and insecticide treated screens in public elementary schools, space spraying, and targeted outdoor residual spraying in dengue hotspot areas.