BY PATRICIA C. ESTOYA, University of Antique Intern
ANTIQUE – The Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is calling for a prolonged and sustained clean-up drive effort amid the rising number of dengue cases across the province.
As of April 10, the IPHO reported a total of 1,082 dengue cases with three deaths. This marks a 460 percent increase compared to the 193 cases with no fatality logged in the same period last year.
Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever are acute viral infections transmitted through the bite of day-biting mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water commonly found in containers such as flower vases, rain barrels, and old tires. They also rest in dark areas inside homes.
Symptoms of dengue include a sudden high fever lasting two to seven days, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, weakness, and skin rashes. Severe cases may manifest with nosebleeds, abdominal pain, vomiting of coffee-colored matter, dark stools, and difficulty breathing.
Irene R. Dulduco, IPHO’s Health, Education and Promotion Officer, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of dengue and urged residents to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility if symptoms arise.
The IPHO, she added, continues to take action for vigilance and community participation in combating the dengue threat through regular clean-up activities and proactive health measures./PN
