Public warned vs dengue anew as rainy season starts

CEBU, Philippines – As it does every year during the monsoon season, the Department of Health reminded the public to keep their surroundings clean especially areas that can store water where dengue-carrying mosquitos can breed.

“Ang ato-a gyud buhaton ani is to decrease the mosquitoes population kay di man gyud ni mawala ang lamok. Kinahanglan mag limpyo gyud ta sa atong palibot kay anha man mo breeding ang lamok sa mga napundo nga tubig,”said Renan Cimafranca, regional epidemiologist.

He disclosed that a vaccine against dengue has been made available for those who have been vaccinated against the four strains of dengue but the same is not available yet commercially. This may be available within the year.

Cimafranca also reiterated that no study has proven that the popular “Mangagaw” plant can actually thwart dengue.

Many believe that the water in which leaves of the plant are boiled in, when drank by someone inflicted with dengue, can increase the number of platelets.

“Ang Mangagaw was not proven nganaay medicinal value. But maybe the water itself nakatabang sa pag-rehydrate sapasyenteng anaay dengue. Posibleng anaa tingali nay medicinal value but wa pa gyud na-prove,” Cimafranca said.

He advised that if someone is suffering from fever for at least two days, it is best to consult a physician since consistent fever is a symptom of dengue.

“Kay kung sayo magpa-check-up, sayo man mahibaw-an unsa imong sakit. Kay ang dengue raba, mag-start gyud na sa hilanat,” Cimafranca said. —/JMO (FREEMAN)