DOH debunks post online: Siling labuyo not a cure for dengue

SUBIC BAY, ZAMBALES — The health department debunked a post circulating on Facebook claiming that bird’s eye chili, commonly known as “siling labuyo,” is a cure for dengue.

“The Department of Health (DOH) cautions the public against Facebook posts claiming Birds Eye Chili or Siling Labuyo can cure dengue,” it said in an advisory on Thursday.

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“The DOH clarifies that currently, there is no specific treatment for dengue. Hence, the Department encourages Filipinos that the best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites,” it added.

In a post from a certain “Gretylle Quicoy,” it said that siling labuyo is “very effective to cure dengue.”

This claim, according to the now-deleted post, was even “tested and proven.”

The DOH instead advised the public to take precautionary measures against dengue-carrying mosquitoes, such as wearing long sleeves and pants and using mosquito-repellent lotions and sprays.

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Moreover, the health department also encouraged the public to “seek early medical consultation if experiencing symptoms like fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, or rashes.”

“Additionally, the DOH stresses the importance of eliminating mosquito-breeding sites and supporting fogging activities in outbreak areas,” it also said.

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The department then advised the public to get information from legitimate sources and platforms, including the DOH website and official social media pages.