Patients at the unit had an aromatherapy workshop with citronella, effective in warding off the Aedes aegypti mosquito
Amid efforts to combat dengue in the Federal District, the Basic Health Unit (UBS) 7 of Samambaia carried out a series of activities aimed at those who seek consultations at the unit. The last dengue bulletin showed that, throughout the DF, 190,258 suspected cases of dengue had already been reported in the year, of which 180,904 were probable.
The event held last week (26) offered an aromatherapy workshop with citronella, in which room diffusers and plant seedlings were distributed to those present. “This is a very important moment, because we have many people here who are in a vulnerable state. It is necessary to give them an alternative to repel insects, in addition to bringing comfort to these patients”, highlights pharmacist Alessandra Moura, who taught the course.
Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) is a plant with properties that repel insects such as Aedes aegypti, the main transmitter of the dengue virus. Using an aroma diffuser or spray containing essential oil extracted from citronella, it is possible to remove disease vectors from an environment and, in this way, prevent new infections.
Married for 50 years, the couple Maria de Fátima Deodato and Paulo César de Sá approved the meeting. “It was great, we learned a lot of things. We didn’t even know this existed, right? Now we’re going to use the diffuser the way the pharmacist taught us”, says Maria.
The event at UBS also had live music. On the piano, young Emanuelle Cristina – daughter of one of the unit’s nurses, server Khayla Gomes – showed off her talent, accompanied by music teacher Ozeas Leite, on the guitar. “Music gives a more appropriate reception to these people. And it is very important to bring the issue of phytotherapy to the patient”, added the SES-DF pharmacist.
A dynamic was also carried out with patients with questions and answers about the dengue vaccine. In addition, UBS employees participated in a theatrical performance about the disease, in which the multidisciplinary team dressed up as mosquitoes Aedes aegypti to educate those present about the symptoms and treatment available.
Find out more about dengue in DF.
