Latest news with #DengueAwarenessMonth
GMA Network
7 hours ago
- Health
- GMA Network
DOH-MMCHD commemorates Dengue Awareness Month ahead of new school year
Insecticide-Treated Screens (ITS) are installed in a classroom at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Project 7, Quezon City as part of the Department of Health Metro Manila Center for Health Development's (DOH-MMCHD) commemoration of Dengue Awareness Month, on Thursday, on June 5, 2025. Photo: DOH-MMCHD The Department of Health - Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) led the commemoration of Dengue Awareness Month at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City on Thursday. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government, (DILG) and the city government, the event aims to encourage schools to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of dengue amid the rainy season and before the new school year starts. The World Health Organization describes dengue as a "mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and, sometimes causing a potentially lethal complication." Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes. A person with dengue may experience the symptoms four to 10 days after a mosquito bite. During the event, DOH Regional Director Lester Tan said the risk of dengue can be lowered with the simple collective actions of 'Taob, Taktak, Tuyo, at Takip'—turn over water containers, tap their bottoms to get the drops out, dry the container, and cover them, to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito. 'Dengue prevention is a shared responsibility and every member of the community has a role to play by maintaining cleanliness, participating in LGU-led clean-up activities and ensuring timely medical consultation if anyone experienced dengue symptoms,' Tan said. The event also included the installment of Insecticide-Treated Screens (ITS) and ovitraps in classrooms, as well as targeted indoor and outdoor residual spraying for protection of students. 'The ceremonial installation of insecticide-treated screens and ovitraps is not merely a symbolic act but a decisive step in our fight against mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue, which continues to pose a significant public health challenge. Let us continue to work hand in hand with the local government, parents, and community stakeholders toward creating a safer and more resilient learning environment,' he added. DOH also emphasized their collaboration with NCR LGUs in implementing community-based programs to mitigate dengue. — BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
VP Sara Duterte calls for community action vs dengue
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. File photo Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday called on the nation to adhere to ways to help combat the spread of dengue in the country. In light of Dengue Awareness Month this June, Duterte underscored the importance of supporting the Department of Health's (DOH) campaign against dengue—a mosquito-borne viral infection which is common in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines. 'Nakakamatay po ang sakit na dala ng lamok na may dengue na maaaring namumugad sa ating mga pamamahay at mga komunidad. Lahat tayo ay nanganganib na maging biktima ng sakit na ito,' the vice president said in a video message. (This disease caused by dengue-carrying mosquitoes that can breed in our homes and communities is deadly. We are all at risk of being victims of this disease.) 'Magkaisa po tayo sa adhikain na makontrol ang pagdami o paglaganap ng mga lamok na may dalang dengue,' she added. (Let's unite in the campaign to mitigate the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.) READ: EXPLAINER: Why public should beware of dengue As part of preventive measures against the disease, Duterte encouraged the public to ensure that mosquito breeding grounds such as drums and pots are clean and free of water. She also urged participation in clean-up drives in communities. She also noted that people could prevent getting dengue by putting up window and door screens and mosquito nets, as well as wearing pants and shirts with long sleeves. In April, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said that the Philippines may face a dengue outbreak this year. The most common symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes. Some people may also get pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and swollen glands. These symptoms, the DOH said, start four to 10 days after exposure from a mosquito bite, and can last for two to seven days. —KG, GMA Integrated News
