Good news!

The Department of Health (DoH) has already found a solution to combat dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Just recently, the DoH purchased P3 million worth of Olyset Net, a Japan made mosquito net capable of killing mosquitoes, it was learned on Friday.

Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. of Japan came up with a new innovation of mosquito nets which will be used by the DoH in its school-based dengue prevention program.

Accordingly, this Olyset Net product provides a novel approach for personal protection against mosquitoes and flies with its repellant characteristics.

The DoH will distribute the Olyset Nets in select public schools in Northern Mindanao.

Dr. David Mendoza, head of the Epidemiology Department of DoH in Northern Mindanao, said the Olyset Nets would be used as curtains in schools to prevent the entry of mosquitoes.

He said the DoH and the Department of Education (DepEd) has initially identified 12 public elementary schools in Northern Mindanao where the Olyset Nets would be distributed.

“This is part of our advocacy to help eradicate dengue. Our targets are the elementary public schools in the region since most of the dengue cases recorded are among five to nine years old, who are students,” Mendoza said.

At least 10 rolls of Olyset Nets would be distributed in each of the identified 12 schools, which can cover 40 classrooms.

In Cagayan de Oro, the DoH has initially identified West City Central School in Barangay Carmen for pilot testing.

Among the schools in the region that would be given Olyset Net rolls include Valencia Central School, Gango Elementary School, Mahayahay Iligan Central School, Talisayan Central School, Don Restituto Baul Gingoog Central School, Mambajao Central School, Binitinan Balingasag Elementary School, St. Cruz Tagoloan City Central School, Salay Central School, Duka Medina Elementary School, and Libona Elementary school in Bukidnon.

It was gathered that Olyset Net uses polyethylene with active ingredients of two percent permethrin. It is ideal for classrooms or even offices and residential houses as curtains or screens on doors and windows and for storage areas.

Meanwhile, a seven-month-old baby girl died after suffering stage 3 of the dreaded dengue disease. It was the first dengue death in Laoag City this year.

The victim was identified as Dawn Marie Pascual of Barangay Lagui, Laoag City.

In Solsona town, Mayor Joseph de Lara is planning to declare the locality under state of calamity due to the resurgence of dengue cases there.

De Lara said he will ask the Sannguniang Bayan to pass a resolution declaring the town under state of calamity. (With a report from Freddie G. Lazaro)