VP Sara Duterte calls for community action vs dengue

Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday called on the nation to adhere to ways to help combat the spread of dengue in the country. 

In light of Dengue Awareness Month this June, Duterte underscored the importance of supporting the Department of Health's (DOH) campaign against dengue—a mosquito-borne viral infection which is common in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines. 

“Nakakamatay po ang sakit na dala ng lamok na may dengue na maaaring namumugad sa ating mga pamamahay at mga komunidad. Lahat tayo ay nanganganib na maging biktima ng sakit na ito,” the vice president said in a video message.  

(This disease caused by dengue-carrying mosquitoes that can breed in our homes and communities is deadly. We are all at risk of being victims of this disease.) 

“Magkaisa po tayo sa adhikain na makontrol ang pagdami o paglaganap ng mga lamok na may dalang dengue,” she added. 

(Let's unite in the campaign to mitigate the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.) 

READ: EXPLAINER: Why public should beware of dengue

As part of preventive measures against the disease, Duterte encouraged the public to ensure that mosquito breeding grounds such as drums and pots are clean and free of water. She also urged participation in clean-up drives in communities. 

She also noted that people could prevent getting dengue by putting up window and door screens and mosquito nets, as well as wearing pants and shirts with long sleeves.

In April, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said that the Philippines may face a dengue outbreak this year. 

The most common symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes. Some people may also get pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and swollen glands.

These symptoms, the DOH said, start four to 10 days after exposure from a mosquito bite, and can last for two to seven days. —KG, GMA Integrated News