DoH7 distributes dengue-preventive nets

CEBU CITY — As part of its intensified campaign against dengue especially with the continuous pouring of heavy rains, the Region 7 office of the Department of Health (DoH) Tuesday distributed the second batch of long-lasting impregnated nets (LLIN) in two public schools in Cebu City.

Some 45 rolls of LLIN were distributed in Talamban Elementary School and another 60 were distributed in Mabolo Elementary School. Both schools are in the DOH-7’ps top ten list of schools with high dengue cases.

It can be recalled that in October last year, the DoH7 had distributed 160 rolls of LLIN to Guadalupe and Labangon Elementary Schools where most of the dengue cases in this city were recorded.

Dr. Jocelyn Abellana, DoH7 coordinator for vector borne diseases bared that each LLIN roll distributed by the agency is expected to cover one to two classrooms as it is has a length of 25 meters and a diameter of 1.5.



“The nets will be put in the classroom windows to prevent the insects from coming inside,” she said, informing that “the net contains two percent of permethrin, a harmless chemical to mammals but harmful to insects.”

Prior to the turn-over of the LLIN, Abellana first oriented the teachers and parents on how to effectively use the nets which can last up to five years if properly used.

“These nets are washable,” she said. “However, in drying them, please keep them away from please direct heat of the sun to maintain its insecticide content.”

The DoH7 official also added that the nets will be washed once every three months and should be only dripped and dried.

A total of 337 rolls of LLIN, costing P7,400 per roll, has been acquired by the DOH-7 for Central Visayas for distribution in areas in the region, particularly where there is a high incidence of dengue cases like Tagbilaran City in Bohol.

Abellana also said that so far no major side-effects were reported in connection with the use of the treated nets in public school classrooms.



Meanwhile, DoH7 regional director Dr. Susana Madarieta who also graced the turn-over ceremony together with representatives from the city health office disclosed that an increase of dengue cases is expected with the extended wet season.

source: mb.com