Dengue again
DENGUE cases in Iloilo province are rising, and soon the rainy season will be upon us. Dengue cases are expected to further balloon. Let us help one another prevent the situation from worsening. Let us ecologically manage our discards to prevent and control a dengue outbreak while the nation grapples with the COVID-19 challenges.
By ecologically managing our discards, we prevent the collection of water in snack packs, plastic containers, tin cans, broken appliances, used tires and other things where dengue transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
The observance of ecological solid waste management at the household level and the larger community adds to the Department of Health’s 4-S strategy to fight dengue.
The 4-S refers to: ( 1) search and destroy mosquito- breeding sites; ( 2) secure self- protection measures; ( 3) seek early medical consultation; and (4) support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas.
Preventing and controlling dengue outbreaks is very important as the country’s healthcare system is already facing tremendous pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Toward a dengue- free home and community, the zero waste advocacy group Ecowaste Coalition urges the public to observe very doable and practical activities. Properly manage household discards, keeping non- biodegradables dry and clean. Inspect and remove standing water at home, in your garden and neighborhood.
Turn over, store in a dry place or dispose of containers that may collect water. Cover water drums, pails and tanks with lids or mosquitoproof mesh. Empty and clean water containers thoroughly once a week. Change water in flower vases weekly.Remove water from pot plates every other day. Clean plant pots that may harbor mosquitoes. Loosen soil in potted plants to prevent water from stagnating on the surface Wash animal drinking bowls daily.
Cut or puncture tires used as roof support to avoid collecting water. Clean clogged roof gutters of leaves and other debris.
But let us shun unregistered household insecticides, including mosquito repellent products, which may pose health and environmental risks.
We need to avoid dengue and other rainy season diseases from further stretching our public health system’s capacity to serve our people’s health needs.