City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian called for continuous active participation of sectors concerned in dengue vector containment and extermination, citing sanitation and safety precaution as the best weapons against the dreaded disease which wreak havoc during the onset of the rainy season.

The plea was made during the Anti-Dengue Summit held early this week at the Valenzuela City Social Hall, with a panel of City Health Officials, health workers, members and officers of homeowner’s associations, barangay and City officials, and members of the education sector, to discuss timely Anti-Dengue measures.

Mayor WIN admitted that there is no absolute solution in the battle against dengue.  “The best way is to use every available method against it – larvae trapping and regular clean-up of our communities.”

City Health Officer, Dr. Jaime Exconde, noted that the overwhelming presence of the participants is a testament that the fight against dengue “is a serious matter everyone in the city is eager to deal with.”

In light of the rise in cases in the whole National Capital Region (NCR), Dr. Exconde reiterated that amidst the efforts of the City Government, community participation is still vital to the fight against dengue.  

The Valenzuela City Dengue Task Force is active year-round sans outbreak in monitoring dengue hotspots and probable breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes, as well as, in tracking down any case of contact with the disease.  Along with this, through the City Health Department’s Health Education and Promotion Office (HEPO), the City provides massive information campaign on how to combat the deadly disease which causes alarm worldwide, advocating the 4S Strategy of the DOH.

The 4S Strategy are: 1. Search and Destroy. It is important to keep the surroundings clean. Search for any stagnant water which could be the breeding ground for dengue-virus carrying mosquitoes. 2. Self Protection. Practice self safety precaution as it is never known when a Dengue carrying mosquito would attack. Use nets, mosquito sprays and repellent. If possible, use appropriate clothing enough to cover parts of the body which are susceptible to mosquito bites. 3. Seek Early Consultation. Dengue symptoms normally appear within two days after infection. This may include a sudden high fever, severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, achy eyes and joints pain. Commonly, three or four days upon the onset of fever, tiny red spots or rashes appears on the lower limbs and chest area of the body of an infected individual. Those who are suffering from two days of fever accompanied by flu-like symptoms are advised to seek immediate consultation. 4. Say NO to indiscriminate FOGGING. Chemical intervention through fogging is reserved in areas of great concern such as clustering of cases, in times of outbreak or impending outbreak, in hot spot areas.

Dr. Irvin Miranda, MD; City Dengue Medical Coordinator, noted in his presentation that the number of dengue cases “will most likely rise during rainy days due to presence of stagnant water where vectors could breed.  But prevention is the easiest and most effective way to fight dengue and the only way to fight it is to fight together.” He said stressing the theme “Sa Sama-Samang Pagkilos ng mga Valenzuelano, Dengue Matetepok!”

The City Government is doing its best to minimize the cases of dengue in the locality.  “Our Waste Management Office (WMO) never fails in following its strict garbage collection schedule. Our Sanitation Unit is also monitoring certain establishments that possess a high risk of being a breeding ground for dengue carrying mosquitoes.” Mayor WIN said during the open forum.

In 32 barangays of Valenzuela City, there are a total of 46 health stations: Health Centers, plus satellite health facilities, along with the City Emergency Hospital and the DOH-managed Valenzuela City General Hospital.  Each health station is manned by a doctor, a nurse, a midwife and several Barangay Health Workers (BHW) ready to cater to patients.

“Pinapaalalahanan namin ang lahat na magpakonsulta kaagad kapag nakaramdam ng ano mang sintomas ng dengue, o sino man sa ating pamilya.  Karamihan sa mga malalalang kaso ng dengue ay dahilan sa huli na bago sila na-diagnose dahil ipinagsawalang bahala ang nararamdaman.  (Everyone is urged to seek early consultation whenever you feel any of the symptoms of dengue.  Most of the acute cases of dengue are those who did not consult a medical specialist the moment they have showed symptoms.)” Mayor WIN ended.

-with reports from Lauro Zyan Caina