DOH 7 Execs Want Central Visayas to be Malaria-free by 2018

“Central Visayas is aiming to be declared a malaria-free region in 2018,”  health officials said.

Department of Health (DOH) 7 medical technologist II Crestita Gloria said that health personnel are conducting training programs and spreading information about malaria as the world celebrates Malaria Day on April 25.

DOH 7 also plans to establish treatment outlets for malaria as 57 of 80 provinces in the country, including Cebu, is endemic to malaria, according to the World Health Organization.

Gloria said that most of the malaria cases in the past years were found in Negros Oriental because of the province’s slow-flowing streams, which is a popular breeding site for Anopheles mosquitoes.

A female Anopheles is usually the carrier and transmitter of malaria.

Gloria said that the Anopheles mosquitoes usually bite at night.

A person infected with malaria experiences chills, fever, severe headache, and vomiting.

The DOH recommends long-sleeved clothing and long pants for sleeping while covered with an insecticidal mosquito net.

The health department also encourages screens on doors and windows and the spraying of mosquito-repellant or the use of anti-mosquito coil.

DOH also encourages the clearing of tree branches over streams.

“Once symptoms of malaria infection is felt, the person should immediately have one’s blood examined,” health officials said.

In 2011, DOH 7 recorded three indigenous cases in Santa Catalina town in Negros Oriental.

Gloria said that Barangay Talala in Santa Catalina is the only place that is endemic for malaria, while the rest is declared as malaria-free area. (PNA) CTB/EB/PJN