The Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Oriental Mindoro has announced the continuation of misting activities in various barangays throughout the province as part of its strategy to combat the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Misting serves multiple critical functions in public health management as it effectively reduces the mosquito population, which is directly linked to the transmission of dengue and other vector-borne diseases, PHO said.

Misting also acts as a preventive measure, contributing to the maintenance of clean and safe community environments, the health office added.

Dengue fever, predominantly spread by the Aedes mosquito, continues to pose a major public health problem in provinces like Mindoro, where climatic conditions favor mosquito proliferation.

The disease can lead to outcomes ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

In response, Oriental Mindoro’s PHO has adopted misting as one of its critical interventions to mitigate outbreaks, particularly during the wet season when mosquito breeding is at its peak.

Health officials are promoting the “4 o’clock habit,” encouraging residents to dedicate time daily to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

The 4S Strategy includes search and destroy operations targeting mosquito breeding sites, self-protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and using repellents, seeking early medical consultation for symptoms, and supporting community misting operations in hotspot areas.

Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash.

Health officials urge residents to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms appear.

photos: courtesy of PHO Oriental Mindoro