In light of the increasing number of dengue cases in Western Visayas, the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force on Infectious Diseases (RIATF-ID) convened to discuss strengthened measures to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, especially as schools officially reopened.
The Department of Health-Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-WVCHD) reported its ongoing coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide technical assistance and implement proactive strategies in schools across the region.
“We have sent a letter to the regional office of DepEd with regard to barangays with clustering of cases, and we advised to have an IRS [indoor residual spraying] or misting sa aton nga mga schools,” said Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, head of the DOH-WVCHD Infectious Disease Cluster, during the meeting.
Natalaray also noted that some schools in the provinces of Antique and Iloilo conducted spraying during the Brigada Eskwela before the classes started.
In response, DepEd Medical Officer medical doctor Melchor Kim Kwan assured that a regional memorandum was cascaded to all concerned school division offices in the region.
With learners now physically returning to schools in the region, the partnership aims to minimize the risk of dengue transmission among school-aged children.
Kwan, likewise, underscored that the medical teams and barangay health workers in localities, especially in areas with clustering of cases, may suggest the use of clothing for learners to protect them against mosquito bites like jogging pants and sweaters.
These precautions are part of the response under 5S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding places; employ self-protection; seek early consultation; support fogging or spraying only in hotspot areas; sustain hydration.
In addition, the RIATF emphasized the importance of the “Alas Kwatro Kontra Dengue” campaign, which encourages communities to conduct daily clean-up drives and inspections at 4:00 in the afternoon.
This specific time targets the peak biting hours of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector of dengue.
“Gina-encourage gid ang aton nga mga partner agency to continue ang search and destroy naton nga activities with our Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito,” said DOH-WVCHD’s Regional Aedes-borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program Manager entomologist Ma. Lourdes Monegro.
She also noted that the month of June of every year is observed as Dengue Awareness Month and June 15 is the Asean Dengue Day.
“For this year’s campaign, ang aton nga theme is ‘Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito: Mag-4Ts tayo araw-araw.’ 4Ts stands for the search and destroy strategy — Taub, Taktak, Tuyo, and Takip,” she added.
Simple actions such as overturning unused water containers, regular cleaning of drainage systems, and installing mosquito screens can make a significant impact in breaking the dengue transmission cycle.
The RIATF, through the DOH-WVCHD, continues to monitor dengue trends and is urging the public to remain vigilant, practice the 5S habits, and fully support localized interventions like “Alas Kwatro Kontra Dengue” to ensure the health and safety of all, especially children. (PIA-6)