SAN JOSE, Antique – Community support is needed to fight dengue, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
PHO head Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo said communities must maintain cleanliness in their surroundings to make sure that there will be no breeding places for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Naciongayo added that there is a rising trend of dengue cases in the province.
From January to Aug. 18 this year, a total of 755 dengue cases were recorded in Antique, according to Provincial Dengue Coordinator Teresita Vergara.
This is higher compared to 470 cases in the same period last year.
In the first half of the year, three dengue cases led to death. These cases are from the towns of Hamtic, Sebaste and Belison.
Naciongayo said the provincial government will allocate fund to intensify PHO’s campaign against dengue.
Parents were also reminded to monitor the health of their children and other family members. Once dengue symptoms are seen, one must immediately seek medical attention to avoid further complications, Naciongayo added.
Dengue is a viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and, sometimes causing a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue, according to the World Health Organization.
Its symptoms include severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rash. (With a report from PIA/PN)
