ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has placed the entire province under dengue Alert Level 5 so that people will be compelled to follow the “5S” strategy against a dengue outbreak. These are the following:
* search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
* seek early consultation
* self-protection
* say “yes” to fogging only in hotspot areas
* social distancing and other minimum public health standards
Defensor yesterday issued Executive Order (EO) No. 190, Series of 2022 declaring Alert Level 5.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease. As of Feb. 19, the province recorded 59 cases with two deaths.
“To prevent the resurgence of dengue, there is a need for intensified implementation of Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2018-0021 on the Enhanced 4SStrategy against dengue, adding social distancing as a preventive measure in activities to be undertaken,” read part of the EO.
“The cleanup activities in the implementation of the Search and Destroy Strategy of Alert Level 5 Kontra Dengue shall be conducted pursuant to Limpyo Iloilo, a convergence program for a clean province involving the above convergence stakeholders,” the EO further read.
The province shall “converge and collaborate” with the city/municipalities and barangays, together with the national government, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, schools and academic institutions, religious organizations, media and social media netizens, the business sector, and all other sectors and socio-civic organizations (convergence stakeholders) in the implementation Alert Level 5.
SEARCH AND DESTROY
* Vector control measures shall be implemented with the coordinated and integrated efforts of the LGUs and convergence stakeholders.
* LGUs and convergence stakeholders shall campaign and conduct environmental cleanup / waste management activities to eliminate non-essential containers, as well as, manage essential containers and all stagnant waters.
* The “4 o’clock Habit” shall be practiced daily by LGUs and convergence stakeholders.
* To monitor and evaluate the “4 o’clock habit”, OviLarval traps shall be used to validate the absence of mosquitoes and the reduction of mosquito population.
* LGUs shall pass and implement appropriate legislations to institutionalize the search and destroy strategy in the locality.
SELF-PROTECTION
* The use of light-colored clothing and long-sleeves top, long pants and socks during daytime is enjoined.
* The application of insect repellent (with DEET also known as N-diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide as active ingredient) on uncovered skin is prescribed.
* The use of screen door and window or insecticide treated screens/curtains for doors and windows (at least full WHO-PQT-certified and FDA-registered) as physical barrier and chemical intervention is urged.
* The use of spatial repellents that release vaporized chemical actives capable of affecting mosquito behavior at a distance is required.
Seek early consultation
* Early treatment seeking behavior shall be encouraged.
* Reiteration of DOH AO 2016-00436: Guidelines for the nationwide implementation of the dengue Rapid Diagnostic Test (RTD) for early detection of the disease.
* Reiteration and implementation of DOH AO No. 2012- 00067: Revised dengue clinical case management guidelines 2011 and case referral.
* Conduct of systematic mortality review.
* Monitor changes in the geographic distribution of dengue cases over time.
* Making sure that dengue fast lanes are established and are functional in all hospitals.
Say ‘yes’ to fogging
* Space spray, technically a fog (sometimes referred to as an aerosol) is applied mainly as thermal fog or cold fog. The objective of space spraying is the massive, rapid destruction of the adult vector population. Space spraying is recommended to prevent an impending outbreak.
* Space spraying either thermal fogging or cold fogging (coupled with clean-up drive and search and destroy of breeding sites of mosquitos) should be conducted using the right insecticides (WHO-POT and FDA approved and at least tested locally for biological efficacy within 5 years upon purchase), right dilution, right method of application, right timing, conducting it using right personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper community preparation.
* Targeted Indoor Residual Spraying (TIRS) shall be conducted for at least 2-3 times a year.
* Targeted Outdoor Residual Spraying (TORS) shall be conducted as a supplemental control for adult mosquitos may be done for 2-3 times in a year.
Social distancing
* Disinfecting procedures shall be conducted before any environmental clean-up waste management activity.
* Participants shall wear face-mask and gloves during the clean-up
* A minimum distance of one (1) meter between persons shall be observed during the clean-up./PN
