BARANGAY officials and residents of Barangay Benedicto in Jaro district, Iloilo City are up to wage a full battle against the disease-carrying mosquitoes after three residents were recent victims of Zika virus.
Barangay captain Luisito Villarina led his constituents in the village conference and pulong-pulong held on Wednesday, September 14, at the village gym to discuss ways of controlling, if not totally eradicating, the spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes as carrier that attack residents of the barangay.
Indoor spraying of larvicides and pesticides will be conducted in five days starting Friday, September 16, at houses in selected sitios.
The Department of Health (DOH) regional office and City Health Office will lead in the activity that eyed an initial 120 houses.
Indoor spraying is the most logical solution to eradicate the mosquitoes since the barangay has no areas with stagnant water for mosquito breeding places.
Doctor Amelia Guarin of the City Health Office said the spraying activity will be conducted soon after the DOH reported three victims in the same household suffering skin rashes, red eyes and fever.
The victims are currently recuperating.
The public is advised to avoid mosquito bites by all means possible to prevent new infections and spread of the Zika virus.
Environmental cleanup to get rid of mosquito breeding sites should be done, including targeted and pre-planned fogging, to reduce adult mosquito density.
Pregnant women and those who have potential to be pregnant are advised to visit their doctors for any illness developed during and around their pregnancy.
Health officials told residents to make 4S a regular habit and participate in cleaning activities initiated in the community.
4S means Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, use Self protection measures, Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days, and Say No to indiscriminate fogging.