DOH Caraga to boost campaign vs Zika Virus

In relation to the first confirmed Zika case for 2016 in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga region has boosted its campaign against the virus.

DOH Caraga Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. during a press conference held on Thursday appealed to the media to help the agency in disseminating the public on how to prevent Zika virus from spreading.

Dr. Llacuna said that in order to prevent Zika, “we must practice the 4S. The 4S stands for Search and Destroy mosquito, Self-Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation; and Say No to Indiscriminate Fogging”.

Llacuna further said that Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquito although some countries have reported it to be transmitted through sexual contact.

The mosquito-borne disease is usually not life-threatening bus has been linked to a rise of birth defect called microcephaly “babies with small heads”, and in some cases, ascending paralysis of the body.

The same mosquito is responsible for Dengue and Chikungunya, which is why the public is requested to increase vigilance in the avoidance of mosquito bites and the practice of 4S, Llacuna said.