DOH starts anti-dengue spraying at NCR polling centers

With just days to go before the May 13 elections, the Department of Health on Wednesday started anti-dengue spraying-and-misting operations in Metro Manila schools, especially those designated as polling centers. DOH Metro Manila head Eduardo Janairo said the spraying is also aimed at preparing the schools for the opening of classes this June. "This way we can provide immediate protection for voters, teachers and students who will be casting their votes and going to schools for enrollment. We will be doing this campaign in all schools in NCR and I am encouraging school administrators to coordinate with us so that we can provide them the necessary assistance,” he said. He added this is in support of the Department of Education’s school maintenance program dubbed "Brigada Eskwela 2013." “We do not want to provide any avenue for dengue carrying mosquitoes to thrive and multiply. All areas that we know to be a mosquito zone will be stirred up, sprayed and breeding places will be sought out and destroyed,” Janairo said. The DOH in Metro Manila said that from Jan. 1 to April 27, at least 2,480 dengue cases had been recorded in the metropolis. Most cases were in Quezon City (489), Manila (396), and Caloocan City (272). At least seven deaths had been reported by the DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU). Most of the victims were aged one month to 77 years old. Most (43 percent) of those affected were 15-49 years age-group. Majority (53 percent) were male. Janairo said the figures are 62 percent lower compared to the same period last year. Despite the lower figure, Janairo said the DOH will continue its anti-dengue activities such as space spraying in villages identified with dengue cases. The DOH will also coordinate with concerned local government units for clean-up activities in junk shops and garbage dumps. Janairo urged residents to do their share and report suspected cases. "And if a family member has a fever, bring the patient to the nearest health facility for evaluation,” he said. — DVM, GMA News