LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 9 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Bicol regional office has reminded the public of the “4S” practices to avoid Zika virus infections assuring the communities in the region that it can be controlled and prevented.
“We should not worry or panic. Zika Virus is similar to dengue and chikungunya which our community is knowledgeable on preventing. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can be controlled and prevented when we practice 4S in our everyday living. The first step to prevent the disease is within our own homes,” said DOH Bicol assitant director Napoleon L. Arevalo
The virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same species that carried dengue virus.
The 4S strategy against dengue can then be used to prevent Zika virus incidence.
The 4S strategies include (1) Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, (2) Self-protection measures, (3) Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than 2 days, and (4) Say yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak.
Arevalo stressed the need for the public to eliminate all possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes like bottles, tires, flower vase, and anything that can hold stagnant water.
“We should not give them a chance to multiply because the disease they carry will put our health at risk,” he said.
“In addition we can wear long sleeved shirt, pants and long socks, applying insect repellent lotion, or use mosquito nets when sleeping. The practice of 4S will not only benefit your family but also the entire community,” he furthered.
The common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (sore eyes). Other symptoms may include muscle pain, headache, and vomiting. The symptoms of the illness last from several days to a week. Some cases do not manifest any symptom.
Cases of pregnant women affected with Zika virus who gave birth to babies with microcephaly is yet to be proven.
Arevalo furthered that the public should be vigilant and be ready should the disease affect the locality by having a commitment in practicing the 4S and engaging them in the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) strategy.
“Indeed, our health begins from our own backyards,” he said.
Currently, there is no available vaccine to prevent Zika virus. However, the symptoms of Zika virus disease can be managed with common pain and fever medicines like paracetamol, rest, plenty of water and nutritious diet. If symptoms continue to occur beyond 2 days, it is advised to consult a doctor or go to the nearest health facility.
The World Health Organization has recently announced Zika virus disease as a Public Health Emergency of International concern on February 1, 2016.
In the Philippines, a documented case of Zika virus infection was traced in Cebu City in 2012. The said 15-year-old boy recovered fully after three weeks of continuous bed rest and medication. After yielding negative from tests on dengue and Chikungunya, he was tested positive for Zika Virus.
There had not been any case detected in the country since then.(MAL/SAA/DOH5/PIA5/Albay)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571455005748/doh-reminds-bicolanos-of-4s-practices-to-prevent-zika-virus#sthash.FhKdIjXA.dpuf
“We should not worry or panic. Zika Virus is similar to dengue and chikungunya which our community is knowledgeable on preventing. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can be controlled and prevented when we practice 4S in our everyday living. The first step to prevent the disease is within our own homes,” said DOH Bicol assitant director Napoleon L. Arevalo
The virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same species that carried dengue virus.
The 4S strategy against dengue can then be used to prevent Zika virus incidence.
The 4S strategies include (1) Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, (2) Self-protection measures, (3) Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than 2 days, and (4) Say yes to fogging when there is an impending outbreak.
Arevalo stressed the need for the public to eliminate all possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes like bottles, tires, flower vase, and anything that can hold stagnant water.
“We should not give them a chance to multiply because the disease they carry will put our health at risk,” he said.
“In addition we can wear long sleeved shirt, pants and long socks, applying insect repellent lotion, or use mosquito nets when sleeping. The practice of 4S will not only benefit your family but also the entire community,” he furthered.
The common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (sore eyes). Other symptoms may include muscle pain, headache, and vomiting. The symptoms of the illness last from several days to a week. Some cases do not manifest any symptom.
Cases of pregnant women affected with Zika virus who gave birth to babies with microcephaly is yet to be proven.
Arevalo furthered that the public should be vigilant and be ready should the disease affect the locality by having a commitment in practicing the 4S and engaging them in the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) strategy.
“Indeed, our health begins from our own backyards,” he said.
Currently, there is no available vaccine to prevent Zika virus. However, the symptoms of Zika virus disease can be managed with common pain and fever medicines like paracetamol, rest, plenty of water and nutritious diet. If symptoms continue to occur beyond 2 days, it is advised to consult a doctor or go to the nearest health facility.
The World Health Organization has recently announced Zika virus disease as a Public Health Emergency of International concern on February 1, 2016.
In the Philippines, a documented case of Zika virus infection was traced in Cebu City in 2012. The said 15-year-old boy recovered fully after three weeks of continuous bed rest and medication. After yielding negative from tests on dengue and Chikungunya, he was tested positive for Zika Virus.
There had not been any case detected in the country since then.(MAL/SAA/DOH5/PIA5/Albay)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571455005748/doh-reminds-bicolanos-of-4s-practices-to-prevent-zika-virus#sthash.FhKdIjXA.dpuf
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