DOH launches anti-Zika plan

IN A BID to contain and prevent the spread of Zika virus in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) has rolled out a national action plan for the mosquito-borne disease, focusing on surveillance and mosquito control in areas with high incidence of dengue.

According to Dr. Mario Baquilod, officer in charge of the DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB), the action plan mainly entailed the strengthening of the agency’s existing systems in responding to mosquito-borne diseases.

Under the action plan, the health agency will carry out four strategies: surveillance and clinical management of suspected cases; vector control; management of potential impact on women and health promotion.

Baquilod said the priority areas for disease, vector and virus surveillance and efforts to control the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito—the main carrier of the Zika virus, will be places that have registered high incidence of dengue.

Among these areas include Cavite, Metro Manila, Davao, Central Visayas and urban areas, said the health official. Jocelyn R. Uy