PHO allays public fear vs. chikungunya

By Alicia E. Nicart

Sunday 3rd of February 2013

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 3 (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here assured the public there have been no case of chikungunya reported as of this writing.

The assurance, through PHO Information Officer, Concesa Balanga followed after cases of the disease had been reported in some towns of the next province, Samar, which have caused mothers’ apprehension for their children.

However, Balanga advised the public not to be complacent because the ailment, caused by mosquito bites, may happen any time.

She said that having clean surroundings is the best way to avoid the disease.

She reminded again the public to practice religiously the ”four o’clock habit” or the search-and-destroy operation.

“Destroy the mosquito eggs,” she said, and "It is important that your surroundings are clean and free of mosquito-breeding places. Empty cans, unused tires, etc must be discarded.These are the favorite places of mosquitoes, because stagnant waters is where they lay their eggs.”

She said further, that unlike dengue, chikungunya-infected patients do not bleed in the nose, nor have lower levels of platelets, but their joints are painful, patients go weak, weary until they become immobile. While reddish dots appear on the skins of dengue patients, chikungunya victims reveal red-violet map-like rashes.color.

Since the disease comes from mosquito bites, PHO underscored that the public must be critical in managing the preventive measures.

According to her, this frequent and sudden change of atmosphere, from sunny then to rainy days, is the heightened season for mosquitoes, thus the public should always be on the alert to prevent any onset of mosquito-borne disease.(aen-PIA 8, Eastern Samar)