SAN JOSE, Antique – The province recorded 18 cases of dengue, with one death, in the first 16 days of January. The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Antique is thus urging the public to remain vigilant against the mosquito-borne disease.
Dr. Leoncio Abiera Jr. of the IPHO said the first dengue fatality this year was a 38-year-old male from Barangay Mag-aba, Pandan town. He died on Jan. 8.
“From Jan. 1 to 16, 17 live cases were reported in the towns of Culasi and Sibalom with four each; Tibiao, Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, and San Jose de Buenavista with two each; and San Remigio with one case,” he said.
The viral infection causes 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.
Abiera urged Antiqueños to seek early medical consultation so they could receive early treatment.
“Although the number of dengue cases is lower when compared to last year’s 46 in the same period, we urge people not to be afraid to see their doctor,” he said.
Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, people are hesitant to go to the hospital for consultation; they are afraid to get contaminated.
Abiera said a person suffering from COVID-19 also develops fever, which is similar to dengue.
“People should seek medical treatment if, after three days, their fever does not subside,” he said.
The World Health Organization said 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 rash. 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. (PNA)
