DOH-7 advises public to start 4S habit vs. dengue

CEBU: The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reminded the public to practice the 4S to combat dengue fever and prevent its surge in Central Visayas. Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato, head of the Communicable Diseases Section of DOH-7, said the public should start practicing the 4S, or the search and destroy mosquito breeding places, self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirt and use of mosquito repellant, seek early consultation, and support spraying or fogging. He said foremost among the four is the search for the area where the mosquitoes could breed, especially those found in secluded places. 'If there are one to two dengue cases recorded in your barangay (village), we should not demand misting and fogging because it does not have a huge effect anyway,' he said. Buscato's advice came after the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the official start of the rainy season in the country last week. He also reiterated the dep artment's call for people to be more vigilant during the wet season, adding that if one has fever that lasts for more than 24 hours, that individuals should visit the nearest hospital for examination. He said rapid diagnostic test for dengue is free in public hospitals and rural health centers. Source: Philippines News Agency