An anti-dengue task force was set up to assist local health authorities in disinfecting potential breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes in the province.
Dr. Wyben Briones of the Cebu Medical Society said the task force which they set up with the Rotary Club of Cebu International will provide Temephos (Abate), a type of insecticide used to clear areas of mosquito larvae.
“Government officials and private sector stakeholders will commit a certain area or town in Cebu province for the purchase and distribution of this larvaecide for disinfection,” he said.
Dr. Briones made the pitch during yesterday’s 2013 Anti-Dengue summit hosted by the Dengue – Free Movement Philippines in coordination with the Rotary International District of Cebu.
The campaign will be held in 42 towns and nine cities of Cebu in Aug. 17. Temephos consists of 10 grams of powder in a sachet.
Volunteers will pour this insecticide in ponds, lakes, marshes and other possible breeding grounds.
One gram of powder per square meter of surface stagnant water will be applied for maximum effect, Dr. Briones said.
“This is a province wide campaign to prevent dengue cases here in Cebu,” he said.
Temephos or larvicide powder is used in other countries like Thailand and India and it is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The International Pharmacueticals Inc. sells the larvaecide at more than P4,000 but they will sell it here at 1/10 of the price. Dr. Briones said the distribution of the larvaecide will start next week.
An anti- dengue task force will also work with the Department of Education in Central Visayas in using the larvaecide to cleanse the school grounds of larvae.
Dr. Briones said they prefer to use larvaecide than fogging which only kills mosquitoes within its proximity.
He said they will coordinate with local officials and barangay health workers for their disinfection campaign.
As of June 22, there were 612 cases in Central Visayas with 21 reported deaths. Cebu City recorded 871 cases of dengue and two deaths.