Davide Orders Three-In-One Clean-Up Drive Vs Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has ordered a three-in-one clean-up drive that will prevent the spread of the chikungunya, dengue fever and Zika virus, all carried by the same type of mosquito.

Zika is not as dangerous as dengue fever, a health official said.

But as a precaution, those who fall ill with Zika should abstain from sex for up to three months, to keep the virus from spreading.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella urged quarantine officials in ports to double their efforts in checking those coming from outside the city.

He also urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Cebu City Health Department to work together in identifying those with Zika and planning for an immediate solution.

A Cebuana is one of nine Filipinos confirmed last Tuesday to have been infected with Zika.

“There is nothing to be scared about. There is no such thing as a severe form of Zika as the infection is always mild to moderate,” said DOH 7 Director Dr. Jaime Bernadas.

“It’s manifested by fever, some joint pains, and conjunctivitis. The only precaution is for pregnant women, as the virus has an effect on the fetus,” he said.

Dr. Bernadas also clarified that the chances of the unborn child acquiring the virus are less than 10 percent. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS