DOH exec debuts ‘lamok dance’ to prevent mosquito-borne diseases

By debuting a "lamok (mosquito) dance," the Department of Health voiced hopes Monday the public—even children—will be proactive against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases during the dry season.

National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique "Eric" Tayag demonstrated the dance on GMA's "Unang Hirit" early Monday morning.
 

"Kailangan ang kapaligiran natin inaayos natin sapagka't ang pinamumugaran ng lamok marumi man na tubig o malinis na tubig ang siyang tanging paraan para sa ganoon hindi dumami ang lamok sa ating bansa," Tayag said.

He said the dance imitates the movements of mosquitoes and can be learned by children.

"Ginagaya namin ang paglipad-lipad ng lamok. Nakakatuwa! Ang mga bata puwede tayong sundan," he said.

Tayag noted that with water scarce during the dry season, many Filipinos may save water in large containers that can potentially allow mosquitoes to breed, if they are not properly covered.

He added Filipinos have to protect themselves against mosquito-borne or vector-borne diseases.

Also, Tayag noted Monday is World Health Day, which focuses on vector-borne diseases brought by mosquitoes, flies, ticks and bugs.

The WHO noted 40 percent of the world's population is at risk from dengue.

Earlier, the Department of Science and Technology said the dry season may be the best time to eliminate the breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. 

Dr. Frances Edillo of the University of San Carlos cited a DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) study that said now is the time to prevent a potential dengue epidemic.

She said April "registered the highest minimum infection rate in the mosquito samples." —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News