ANTIQUE – As of July this year, 271 dengue cases were recorded in the province — 84 percent lower than in the same period last year with 647 cases.
There were no deaths so far.
The towns with the highest cases were Caluya (38), Sibalom (36), Valderrama (29), San Jose de Buenavista (29), and Hamtic (21).
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes a severe flu-like illness that can sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti) that live and breed in clean, stagnant water.
Irene Dulduco, Health Education and Information Officer of the Antique Provincial Health Office (APHO), said Antiqueños should make cleaning a habit to avoid creating breeding sites for mosquitoes, especially in this rainy weather.
She also encouraged the practice of the 4S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; employ self-protection measures; seek early consultation; and support fogging or spraying only in hot spot areas.
If the fever has lasted more than two days, go to the Rural Health Unit or the nearest health facility for a consultation.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.
For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in the vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./PN
