The Davao City Health Office (CHO) reminded Dabawenyos anew to immediately seek medical attention when experiencing dengue symptoms, such as on and off high fever, to prevent unnecessary death due to the virus transmitted by female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
CHO Tropical Diseases Prevention and Nutrition Division head Beth Banzon, during the At Your Service program of 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) aired on Tuesday afternoon, January 10, said the public should be even more vigilant to protect themselves against dengue-carrying mosquitoes amid the rainy season.
She said high fever should not be taken lightly.
“Pag dunay kalintura, dalhon dayon sa pinakaduol na health center. Usahay man gud muingon ra kay basin napasmo lang o naulanan, dala-dalahon lang. Magpa-chek na aron sure-sure gyud ta ba, aron sipti ta (If you have a fever, go to the nearest health center. Sometimes they just say it’s because they missed a meal or got wet in the rain, they endure it. Let’s do a check to be sure that we are safe),” Banzon said, adding that NS1 dengue test kits are available in district and barangay health centers.
The first three days of fever are crucial, according to her, and if left untreated without proper medical care, the patient might die anytime from the fourth to the sixth day.
The city health official said low-flying female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, whose peak biting hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., do not choose people to bite, so anyone can be a possible victim.
She said since there is still no cure or vaccine for the dengue virus, it would be best to take preventive measures.
“Sundon nato ang 4S. Tanan ta maglimpyo kay ang lamok maski asa na mulupad (Let’s follow the 4S – search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; seek early medical consultation from health experts; secure self-protection; and support fogging and spraying. Let’s clean our surroundings because the mosquitoes fly anywhere),” Banzon added.
She urged Dabawenyo households to be responsible in cleaning their surroundings, especially disposing of empty bottles and cans used during the holidays.
She also reminded parents to feed their children before going to school and make them sleep and rest well to boost their immune system, make them use mosquito repellents, and armbands. Girl students, according to her, can also wear knee-high socks to prevent them from being bitten.
Meanwhile, Melinda Babante of the Tropical Diseases Prevention and Control Unit said empty drums, cans, and bottles or any container can be possible breeding sites for the female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes when it rains. These mosquitoes, she said, breed in stagnant water.
Aside from high fever, Babante said other dengue symptoms include weariness and lack of appetite. CIO
