Misting Not Part of Anti-Dengue Strategy — DOH

Department of Health (DOH) officials reiterated that misting is not part of an anti-dengue strategy.

Dr. Rennan Cimafranca of Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU7) said DOH does not require misting or fogging in their anti-dengue campaign.

This after the whole province of Cebu was placed under a state of calamity due to an alleged dengue outbreak.

Provincial Board Member Christopher Baricuatro has moved to declare the dengue outbreak as a “disaster or calamity.” The move was later approved by the council.

The Provincial Health Office headed by Dr. Ishmael Pastor said resources are depleting with the teams not responding effectively.

Only two of four misting equipment are still functioning.

A misting machine costs over P50,000.

Cimafranca said that last year, the province conducted misting and yet the number of dengue cases still went up.

“We don’t recommend misting and as of now it is not yet appropriate to declare an outbreak as these are concentrated only in some areas,” Comaafranca said.

Dengue Program Coordinator Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato said there is no other way to prevent the increase or existence of the dengue-carrying mosquito but only through the 4S program of the government.

4S stands for Search & destroy mosquito breeding places; use Self-protection measures; Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than 2 days; and Say NO to indiscriminate fogging.

“We may sound so redundant but there is no other way than to clean the possible breeding grounds,” Buscato said.

Aside from tires, flower vases, canals, gutters, Buscato also adivsed that the rack that holds the water from drying plates should be drained regularly.

The public is also advised to use personal protective measures such as using mosquito nets, install window screens, or applying insect repellant lotion.

Last year, more than 5,000 cases of dengue were recorded compared to the 7,000 already reported as of end of September. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)