Makati City health officer Dr. Bernard Sese said his office stepped up efforts to determine areas in the barangays with a high density of mosquitoes through setting up ovi-larvitraps.
Based on the results of the ovi-larvitrap, high-risk areas in the barangays are identified and subjected to intensive cleanup operations jointly conducted by the barangay and city personnel, Sese said.
He said that the city would only resort to misting if despite cleanup efforts, ovi-larvitrap results remain high. “In doing misting, areas with high larval index, elevated number of cases or those with reported deaths will be prioritized,” Sese said.
He assured residents there was no need to panic because “the male patient found positive for Zika virus, who is a non-resident, is already well. Unlike dengue that can cause death, Zika is associated with microcephaly or babies born with small heads. It mostly affects pregnant women.”
The Makati health department clarified that contrary to media reports, one of the reported Zika cases in Metro Manila, a 42-year-old male, only works in Makati but is a resident of Mandaluyong.
Sese said that on orders of Mayor Abby Binay, they will conduct ovi-larvitrap operations more frequently in the barangays, including public schools. “An intensified vector control is needed to curb the transmission of the virus. We need to destroy the breeding sites,” he said.
“At this time, we do not know where the patient contracted the viral infection. But I urge our residents to remain calm and help the city government in cleaning up possible breeding areas for mosquitoes,” Binay said.
She urged residents to always keep their homes and surroundings clean, making sure to get rid of stagnant water and other usual breeding sites of mosquitoes.
“Community involvement is very crucial. We must take part in the citywide cleanup drive,” Binay said.
The MHD chief also underscored the importance of continuous health education of people in the community regarding the prevention of virus infection and transmission.
“We are working closely with barangay health workers and barangay officials in conducting an information drive about Zika among residents to make them appreciate the importance of their active participation in the prevention and control of the virus,” Sese said.
At the same time, Binay asked residents to remain calm and participate in a citywide cleanup drive to destroy breeding sites of mosquitoes.
According to health officials, no Zika cases have been reported in Makati.
Health authorities believe that Zika is transmitted by sexual contact and through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, also identified as the vector in transmitting dengue and chikungunya.
Symptoms of Zika infection include fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), headache and muscle pain.
