CAPIZ – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of this province recorded a significant decrease in the number of dengue cases several months after the declaration of the disease outbreak here.
Following this improvement, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ramon Alex T. Nolasco issued an official statement on December 23 that the Provincial Board has approved the lifting of the declaration of the dengue outbreak.
The announcement was also approved and signed by Gov. Fredenil Castro.
Data from the Capiz Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit (CESRU) showed that in the most recent week, 26 new dengue cases were recorded, showing a 58.73 percent decrease compared to the previous week’s cases.
As of December 21, CESRU listed a total of 3,661 dengue cases and nine deaths.
To recall, on August 19, 2024, the provincial government officially declared a dengue outbreak due to a significant increase in cases that surpassed the epidemic threshold. Eight days after, or on August 27, the province was placed under a state of calamity after 264 new cases were documented within a week.
However, despite the downward trend, seasonal factors still pose a risk of increase in cases.
The PHO appealed to the public to always keep their surroundings clean to eliminate breeding places of mosquitoes.
“Through vigilance and cooperation, we can overcome this challenge and ensure a healthier and safer Capiz for all,” read part of the official statement.
The PHO further urged all Capiznons to always practice the 5S strategies:
* search and destroy mosquito breeding sites;
* self-protect by wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellents;
* seek early consultation for fevers lasting two or more days;
* support fogging operations in areas with case clustering or potential outbreaks; and
* stay hydrated to prevent severe complications./PN
