Bands, brew not yet tested

THE rise in dengue fever cases in Cebu City has prompted a mother to search for protection for her children against mosquitoes, a move that helped her earn additional income on the side.

But the health department expressed caution on the use of the gadget, as this has not yet been registered with the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).

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The use of a brew made from “mangagaw” leaves has also not been proven to have any medicinal effects, said Department of Health (DOH) 7 Director Dr. Susana Madarieta.

But “it can add to the patient’s fluid intake. Just make sure to thoroughly wash the leaves before boiling,” she said.

Over 5,000 persons have fallen ill with dengue fever in Central Visayas as of Aug. 28.

As public officials try to cope with the demand for more resources, private individuals are helping search for remedies.

Julie Ann D. Sio, Universal Fortune Trading proprietor, ventured into selling baller bands dipped in citronella oil, under the brand name BugsLock. The bands come in various colors.

Sio sells surplus heavy equipment from Japan, such as tractors and backhoes.

“It’s not every day that we are able to close a sale, so I started selling flying lanterns that are popular in weddings and baptisms,” she told Sun.Star Cebu.

“It is also the rainy season. There is never a day that my daughter comes home from school without mosquito bites. So I decided to venture into selling these bands. I used lotion before but my daughter would still come home with insect bites,” said Sio.

She said the bands contain no preservative nor pesticides, only citronella, a natural ingredient.

Brisk

The bands, which can be used for up to two weeks, can be placed on the wrist, ankle and bag straps.

“At first, there was another brand of baller band made of silicon that came from the US, but these were expensive,” she said.

So far, Sio has sold 63 boxes or about 31,500 pieces of the baller band.

“On the first day of use, the strong smell may be too much. So, I suggest that these be placed on ankles. For those who prefer to use the band for 24 hours, they can use it up to one week,” she said.

“After that period, they can still use it to drive away mosquitoes by placing these bands in dark areas of the house,” she added.

Dr. Madarieta of DOH said the band has not yet been tested by the agency.

“We will not recommend the use (of the band) until there is no analysis of its content. We do not know if it contains only citronella. It is not considered safe until we determine its content,” she told Sun.Star Cebu.

“The band works the same way as lotions, it is an insect repellent. But it is not advisable to wear the band for 24 hours,” she added.

The distributor would have to apply with BFAD as a distributor and promoter.

In a separate interview, Sio said she started processing the application and the item is being checked for product classification.

To ward off dengue, the DOH 7 recommends self-protective measures like wearing long-sleeved tops and pants.

Children should not be exposed during the mosquito’s peak biting time, which is between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., said Madarieta.

Make sure the house is screened. Flower vases, dish drains and dispensers should be dry or free of mosquito larvae.

“You can also use anti-mosquito lotions,” she added. (BAP)