City Health Office (CHO) Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Unit Nurse Ernie Cequiña in a report from the City Information Office (CIO) said that 16 more suspected cases of chikungunya were also recorded in said Barangay.
Cequiña, however, said that the suspected 28 cases earlier reported in Barangay Panacan are still pending.
The CHO Tropical Disease Prevention & Control Unit has intensified intervention efforts to control the Aedes mosquito species, the same mosquito that carries dengue, in the area after the city confirmed its first case of chikungunya in Barangay Ilang on June 8.
He said the CHO responded with critical mosquito control measures, such as an awareness drive in the barangays, Aedes larvae surveillance, fogging, and later conducted misting or indoor residual spraying.
Chikungunya symptoms are particularly difficult to determine as the patients usually manifest symptoms similar to that of dengue (fever, nausea, pain behind the eyes) but with more severe joint pains and early onset of skin rashes, he said.
“Actually, we just recently received the results from the RITM—because the patient’s blood work was sent to the RITM in Manila—so after two weeks the results were out. Upon confirmation, actually even if the results were not confirmed, we addressed the cases as caused by mosquitos. Because they share the same symptoms as that of someone with dengue, the only difference in symptoms is joint pains,” Cequiña said.
According to Cequiña, the city remains steadfast in monitoring these cases and conducting intervention measures. However, he said that protective measures, such as maintaining the cleanliness of the surroundings, remain the best method of preventing an outbreak.
Cequiña continuously reminded Dabawenyos to practice the 4S procedure; which stands for “Search and destroy” mosquito breeding grounds, practice “Self-protection” from mosquito bites, “Seek early medical consultation”, and “Say yes” to community prevention and intervention measures.
Photo downloaded from google