AKLAN – This province registered two new cases of chikungunya virus disease, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO-Aklan) showed.
In the latest surveillance report, 23 specimens from July 25 to August 16 were submitted to Department of Health Region 6 for laboratory test and detection of chikungunya.
Health Program Officer II Roger Debuque said two samples were tested positive for chikungunya out of five samples.
There are still 18 samples pending through laboratory tests.
Debuque also urged residents to observe 5s strategy – search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, self-protection, seek early consultation and support fogging in hotspot places, sustain hydration or adequate water intake – in fighting chikungunya, as well as dengue.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an RNA virus in the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae, according to World Health Organization.
The province also logged 1,686 dengue cases from January 1 to August 17 – 131 percent higher than the 731 registered during the same period last year.
Malay recorded the highest number of cases with 307, followed by Kalibo with 262 and Nabas with 129.
Malay also reported the highest increase in cases at 2,262% or from 13 to 307; Buruanga, 967% or from nine to 96 and Tangalan, 310% or from 21 to 86 cases.
One death from Batan was also associated with dengue in the province.
Debuque said PHO-Aklan has activated the dengue fast lanes in local hospitals and rural health units amid the rising number of dengue infections.
PHO also coordinated with barangay officials to strengthen their dengue task force, conduct dengue vector surveillance and intensify the awareness campaign to prevent and control dengue./PN
