Health office: Water cures dengue better than tawa-tawa

THE City Health Office (CHO) said drinking more water, instead of “tawa-tawa,” is more advisable for dengue patients contrary to many claims that tawa-tawa (Euphorbia hirta) can cure the dreaded mosquito-borne disease.

In an interview, Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, CHO chief, said some herbal products might cause some complications.

"Just drink plenty of water," Villafuerte said. "Mas mainam din ang water kasi pag may lagnat ka, wala ka rin panlasa niyan (Water is better because one has no taste when they have fever)."

Villafuerte was reacting to a report on a national daily that the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) is looking into claims that "tawa-tawa" has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can increase blood platelets and vital in the treatment of dengue.

The PCHRD is the research and development arm of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

"The discovery of tawa-tawa's active ingredient will lead to the development of treatments for dengue and tuberculosis," a statement from the DOST said.

But Villafuerte said dengue is all about cleaning the surroundings as its prevention is everybody's concern.

"You do not have to tell them everything, just push for the 4 o'clock habit," she said.

In an earlier interview, Elizabeth Banzon, tropical unit coordinator of CHO, said each household should observe the "4 o'clock habit:" search and destroy breeding places, seek early treatment, self-protective measures, and say yes to fogging in the event of dengue outbreak.

She said the behavior of every household in preventing dengue must also be emphasized as each Dabawenyo plays a vital role in cleaning their own areas to arrest the increase of dengue cases in the city.

Records from the CHO showed that there are a total of 2,616 cases from January to August.

CHO data showed there were 111 cases in January; 84 in February; March has 63; 115 in April; 486 in May; June has 339; July with 379; and August with 1039, which recorded the most dengue cases so far for the year 2012.

Out of these 2616 cases, the CHO also recorded at least 36 deaths in the city from January.

A total of nine were recorded in the first month of the year; two in February; March, April and May have one death cases each; June has three; 13 in July; and six in August.

In the data released by the Department of Health, however, it was revealed that as of September 8, there were already a total of 3,046 cases and 48 deaths. (ANC)