CSF lines up measures to help barangays combat dengue

By Joelyn G. Baluyut

Friday 20th of July 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 20 (PIA) -- San Fernando City government officials and health officers visited Miranda Compound at Barangay Calulut and Barangay Quebiawan here to drum up the citizens’ participation in the fight against dengue disease.

A team from the Philippine Army also helped in clearing the barangays of possible mosquito breeding places through their barangay clean-up drive.

Dr. Eloisa Aquino, city health officer (CHO), said the barangay residents should follow city government’s “OSCAR” program, which calls for the following: Oplan Linis Kapaligiran; Search and Destroy insects that spread the virus; Consult the doctor immediately; Aksyon agad; and Regulated fogging.

She said it is important that barangay residents inform the CHO about the suspected dengue cases in households.

“Monitoring would be difficult for the city without barangay cooperation," she said. "We are in partnership with the regional and provincial health offices to aid us with medicinal supplies. We also coordinated with some hospitals to alert them with possible dengue patients,” said Aquino."

The city provides materials such as larvicidals to control mosquito population. It also conducts regulated fogging in the barangays. The CHO also advised residents to manage their garbage and observe waste segregation.

“Di tayo dapat matakot kung gagawin natin ang ating responsibilidad. Kailangan nating magkaisa lahat para sugpuin ang dengue (We need not fear if we take precautions). We should be united in combating Dengue,” said Aquino.

Dengue is a disease caused by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is active during daytime. Headache, fever, muscle and joint pains and skin rashes characterize the disease. In extreme cases, gums and nose may bleed. (CLJD/JGB-PIA3)