Signs of Chikungunya virus seen in 2 Davao City barangays

Chikungunya virus is caused by Aedes mosquitoes, the same mosquito family spreading dengue fever.

Melodina Babante, Pest Control worker of TDPCU said Davaoeños should not only be cautioned about the dengue virus-carrying mosquitoes since Aedes mosquitoes can also spread the Chikungunya virus.

Babante said these villages include Barangay Panacan and Ilang where the unit are being closely watched.

"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,” she said in a report from City Information Office ( CIO).

The public must be aware that Chikungunya is unlike dengue that you would only have a fever. 

“With chikungunya, aside from fever, you would experience joint pains and rashes. Rashes that seem like measles. If you have symptoms such as these, report immediately to your health centers,” she said.

She said that Barangay Ilang experienced a chikungunya outbreak before. This is why confirmatory tests are currently being done to determine the new symptoms found in the barangay, as well as in Panacan, to properly address the problem.

Babante underscored the need for Davaoeños to observe the 4S campaign whuch stands for “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, “Secure Self Protection” from mosquito bite, “Seek Early Consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur, and “Say Yes to Fogging” as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.

Virus-carrying mosquitoes, according to her, have peak biting time usually two hours after sunrise, which is from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. that's why she urged parents not to let their children leave the house at this time without protection.

"Don't let them wear shorts but let them wear pajamas or long pants. They should wear long sleeves. Apply mosquito repellent. Don't let them wear dark colors like black which is attractive to mosquitoes),” she said.

She added that on and off fever should not be taken lightly, hence, immediate medical attention is needed on the second day of high fever. 

She also urged family members to bring the patient to the nearest barangay or district health center for a free check-up as the NS1 dengue detection kits are readily available and results are known after 15 minutes. 

The first detection of symptoms, she said, is the best way to immediately address the possible threat of dengue or Chikungunya.