CAPIZ – This province recorded a sharp increase in dengue cases this year.
From January 1 to July 13 this year, Capiz logged 733 cases, the provincial government said.
This represented a 104.18-percent increase of cases compared to the same period in 2023, which had 359 cases.
“Sa karon may yara 733, kag dugang nga 88 ka mga bag-o nga kaso ang napagkit sang damlag lang,” read part of the provincial government’s official statement signed by Gov. Fredenil H. Castro and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ramon Alex Nolasco.
In response to the rising dengue cases, the provincial government allocated funds for medical supplies of local health offices and hospitals such as treated mosquito screens, mosquito nets (muskitero), and mosquito adulticides and larvacides.
The provincial government likewise reminded the Capiznons anew of the “4S strategy” to combat dengue: search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; self-protection measures like wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent; seek early treatment; and support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas.
Parents are advised to seek early medical consultation if their child’s fever persists for two days or more.
The provincial government also urged parents to apply insect repellents on their children and let them drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, causing severe flu-like symptoms and, in extreme cases, death.
Symptoms include a sudden high fever, severe headache, nausea or persistent vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin./PN
