DOH Caraga intensifies campaign versus Zika virus
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 8 – In relation to the first confirmed Zika case for 2016 in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region has intensified its campaign against the virus.
DOH Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. during a press conference held on Thursday appealed to the media to help the agency in disseminating the public on how to prevent Zika virus from spreading.
Dr. Llacuna said that inorder to prevent Zika, the public are advised to practice over-and-above efforts in the prevention of the virus by practicing the 4S.
The 4S stands for Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites like stagnant waters, old tires that accumulate water; Self-Protection Measures by wearing long sleeves and application of mosquito repellant; Seek Early Consultation for fever of more than two days or presence of skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis must be consulted to the nearest health facility for proper assessment by a doctor; and Say No to Indiscriminate Fogging – say yes only during outbreaks or when as needed.
Llacuna further said that Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquito although some countries have reported it to be transmitted through sexual contact.
The mosquito-borne disease is usually not life-threatening bus has been linked to a rise of birth defect called microcephaly “babies with small heads”, and in some cases, ascending paralysis of the body.
The same mosquito is responsible for Dengue and Chikungunya, which is why the public is requested to increase vigilance in the avoidance of mosquito bites and the practice of 4S, Llacuna said. (Nora C. Lanuza Molde/PIA-Caraga)
