Paz forms team vs. dengue

CEBU, Philippines – Alarmed over the increasing number of dengue cases in Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza yesterday announced the creation of the Dengue Alert and Response Team (DART).

The move is in response to reports that the number of dengue cases in the city has already reached near epidemic thresholds in several barangays.

In answer to the plight of her constituents, Mayor Radaza ordered the creation of a quick response team to deal with the factors that mitigate the spread of the deadly disease.

DART aims to put all concerned government agencies and existing programs under a unified command structure for quick mobilization and deployment during the dengue season.

Under the DART umbrella, these agencies are now able to pool their resources and expertise to combat the spread of the disease in a quick, deliberate, and efficient manner.

The Prevention and Mitigation Team will pursue the Manglimpyo Ta Campaign through an intensified cleanup effort especially in areas considered as hotspots by the DOH.

Implementation of the 4 o'clock habit and the "4-S" habit in order to effectively prevent the occurrence of a dengue outbreak in the area will be pursued.

The "4-S" stands for Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; Self-protection measures; Seeking early treatment; and Saying no to indiscriminate fogging.

DART also aims to include wide participation of the community in its effort to prevent the spread of the disease in their respective localities through the involvement of the barangay LGUs and health centers. (FREEMAN)