The Davao City Health Office (CHO) is urging Dabawenyos to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of chickenpox, locally known as bulutong-tubig, emphasizing that vigilance and proper hygiene remain among the most effective ways to protect against the disease.
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is transmitted through the air and direct contact with fluid from blisters. It commonly begins with fever and fatigue, followed by an itchy rash that develops into blisters by the second or third day.
Farah May Clamor, Section Head of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of CHO, emphasized during the ISpeak Media Conference on Thursday that early recognition of symptoms and immediate preventive measures are crucial in limiting the spread of the disease. While chickenpox is highly contagious, its transmission can be significantly reduced through responsible preventive practices.
“Chickenpox is highly contagious, but transmission can be reduced through early recognition, staying at home while contagious, avoiding close contact, and practicing good hygiene,” she said.
Clamor also highlighted that vaccination remains the best way to prevent chickenpox. She encouraged the public to continue practicing frequent hand washing, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and isolate infected persons at home until all blisters have dried and crusted over to prevent further transmission in the community.
“Mas kinahanglan gyud nga dali mabantayan kung naay sakit. Kung sick gyud ang tao, pwede stay at home lang sa gyud kay wala ta kabalo kung chicken pox ba na siya or any other disease. Kasagaran man gud, lahi ilahang gipamati. So, kung ingana mag mask ta, imaintain ang good hygiene kay kinahanglan gyud na para ma prevent ang sakit (It is really important to quickly notice if someone is sick. If a person is really sick, they should just stay at home because we don’t know if it’s chicken pox or any other disease. Usually, they feel uneasy. So, if we wear masks like that, we need to maintain good hygiene because it’s really necessary to prevent the disease),” she added.
She reminded parents that children showing symptoms should be isolated and should not attend classes until all blisters have dried and crusted over, as the disease can spread more quickly in group settings.
She also advised the public to consult healthcare providers for accurate information and to avoid following misleading advice, stressing that professional guidance is essential in properly identifying symptoms and distinguishing chickenpox from other illnesses.
Dabawenyos experiencing symptoms related to this illness are encouraged to visit the CHO, district health centers, or barangay health centers. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal