The Department of Health has renewed its call for Filipinos to practice the “4S” or four steps to prevenent mosquito-borne diseases following a Chikungunya outbreak in Indang, Cavite where over 400 cases were recorded since January.
Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag noted that the mosquitoes carrying the Chikungunya virus are the same carriers of dengue and Zika.
The incidence of mosquito-related diseases increase during the rainy season, he said.
“This is why our lone campaign against these three diseases is the 4S,” said Tayag, who is also the spokesperson of the health department.
The 4S covers the following steps: search and destroy breeding grounds of mosquitoes; use self-protection measures like applying insect repellants; searly consultation for fever lasting for more than two days; and say no to indiscriminate fogging.
A Chikungunya outbreak was declared last month in Indang as the number of cases reached 473 even as there are no reported fatalities yet.
Majority of those afflicted with Chikungunya are 15-years-old and above. Victims have complained of intense arthritis that takes a long time to disappear.
He said the DoH is already in the process of verifying these cases through blood samples, testing not only for Chikungunya but also for dengue and Zika.
Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever, frequently accompanied by joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rashes.
As for Zika, the DoH has already listed 12 cases, with most victims coming from Western Visayas.
DoH quick response teams have been sent to affected areas to conduct case investigations and to recommend specific measures to prevent further spread.
Iloilo City, in particular, is carrying out indoor residual spraying coupled with fogging in affected and high risk areas to reduce adult mosquito density.