ILOILO – Dengue cases in this province are declining.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 14 this year, 252 with one death were recorded, 55.1 percent lower than the 561 cases and one death reported in the same period last year.
Data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed the towns with the highest dengue cases were Miag-ao (27), Estancia (25 with one death), Tigbauan (19), Dingle (18), Carles (13), Balasan (13), Alimodian (10), Pavia (nine), San Joaquin (nine), Oton (eight), and Ajuy (eight).
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albpictus and Aedes aegypti) that live and breed and clean, stagnant water.
Community quarantine restrictions appeared to be a factor in the decline in cases, according to Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, acting head of the PHO.
But the provincial government is preparing for the anticipated increase in 2022 – third year of the dengue epidemic cycle.
“Gintaas-taasan ang budget for 2022, subong naga-amat-amat bakal (sang needed equipment),” said Quiñon.
The provincial government plans to distribute larvicide, among other materials, to towns with high dengue cases.
The PHO promotes the 4S Strategy against dengue:
* “search and destroy” the breeding places of mosquitoes
* “self-protection” from mosquito bites
* “seek early consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur
* “say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is a looming outbreak
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 vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./PN