47,000 Makati students to get anti-dengue kits

MANILA, Philippines — Over 47,000 students in public elementary schools in Makati will receive free anti-dengue kits ahead of the start of in-person classes next week, the local government announced yesterday.

Mayor Abby Binay said parents of students from kindergarten to Grade 6, including learners in the Special Education  curriculum, can pick up the kits from the local government.

Each kit contains mosquito repellent lotion and a wrist band with a citronella capsule plus three extra refill capsules.

“We continue to enhance the learning experience of students in our public schools. We want them to look neat, smart and feel confident when they go to school. We also aim to keep them protected from dengue and other water-borne diseases,” Binay said.

The city government has mobilized a cleanup drive in 33 barangays to eradicate possible breeding sites of dengue mosquitoes.

Data from the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) showed that 334 dengue cases were recorded in Makati from Jan. 1 to Aug. 15.

Binay asked residents to report persons with dengue symptoms to the Makati CESU or the nearest barangay health center.

According to the Department of Health, dengue symptoms include high fever that lasts up to seven days, skin rashes, bleeding of the nose or gums, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.