DAVAO CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) warned residents Tuesday about the threat of the chikungunya virus as they closely monitor two villages for symptoms.
Melodina Babante, a CHO pest control worker II, said the barangays of Panacan and Ilang are being closely watched for the possible presence of chikungunya.
“We need to explain the diseases caused by Aedes mosquitoes. It has not been confirmed yet but in Panacan and Ilang, our team found signs and symptoms that are still being confirmed if it's chikungunya,” Babante was quoted in a CHO statement.
Chikungunya is caused by Aedes mosquitoes, the same type of mosquito spreading the dengue disease.
“Dabawenyos should not only be cautioned about the dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes since Aedes mosquitoes can also spread the chikungunya virus,” Babante said.
According to the Department of Health, the chikungunya virus is also characterized by fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and rash.
Symptoms appear between four and seven days after the patient has been bitten by the infected mosquito.
Chikungunya shares some clinical signs with dengue and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common, therefore chikungunya virus incidence could be much higher than what has been previously reported.
Babante urged the public to be aware that those infected with chikungunya also experience joint pains and “rashes that seem like measles.”
Babante underscored the need for Dabawenyos to observe the 4-S strategy to fight chikungunya and dengue diseases.
The 4-S stands for search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, employ self-protection (wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and daily use of mosquito repellent), seek early consultation from barangay or district health centers, and support fogging or spraying operations.
Babante said virus-carrying mosquitoes have their peak biting time usually two hours after sunrise, which is from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., even as she urged parents not to let their children leave the house at this time without protection.
“Let them (children) wear pajamas or long pants and long-sleeved upper clothes. Don't let them wear dark colors like black which is attractive to mosquitoes,” Babante said. (PNA)
