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Keep the “habit” against dengue

Written by magnolia_eic on 07 August 2010

KEEPING the four ‘o clock habit is still the most effective contribution a community can do against the onslaught of deadly dengue, says Philippine National Red Cross (BNRC) Board member Romeo Teruel.

Newspaper reports quoting the Department of Health last week bared that dengue has been noted in almost all the towns here in Bohol and has claimed at least 7 lives from January to July.

The same reports also said that the Provincial health Office has noted about 787 cases of possible dengue including those treated or suspected of the disease brought about by the Asian tiger mosquito, aedes aegypti.

Inspect vicinities of our homes every 4:00, empty all those containers which may be venues for the mosquitoes to breed, lid every water container and destroy all potential homes of mosquitoes, Teruel advised.

Teruel, whose concern also includes supporting PNRC generate blood to help patients, pointed out that dengue has become a recurring problem so that PNRC could not just be passive. He stressed that PNRC is going out of the way to be ready in any eventuality.

Dengue then used to be only noted during some months, but seemingly, the mosquitoes have also adapted to the conditions and made them perennial threats, a medical practitioner shared.

PNRC has been the most immediate source of blood support for transfusions but recent data showed that the blood bank’s storage capacity may not be enough to respond to the current need, revealed Ms. Nenita Briones, Red Cross Administrator.

The most important is that while we are urging people to donate blood, while we are preparing, the community’s involvement is most needed, Teruel intoned at the recent Kapihan sa PIA aired on dyTR.

According to Dr. Annabella Oncog of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, dengue can be manifested in the form of fever, coupled with lack of appetite, headaches, vomiting even if a patient does not have coughs or cold.

However absent any competent practitioner in the towns that can run confirmatory tests for dengue, Dr Ancog advised that if parents are not certain as to the patient’s fever, they must see their doctors immediately.

Ancog also said the most critical period for dengue is when the disease has affected the body’s capacity to allow blood to clot due to lowered platelets.

While a dengue detection kit for patients can be bought at local drugstores, Ancog said the best thing still is to see a doctor. (racPIA-Bohol)

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