ANTIQUE – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here are urging Antiqueños anew to sustain their community efforts as dengue cases in the province increased by 191.02 percent.
As of this month, the province recorded a total of 3,760 dengue cases, including seven deaths — a steep rise compared to only two deaths in 2024.
To combat dengue, the PHO continues to strengthen its advocacy for the 4S Strategy: searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, practicing self-protection measures such as wearing long sleeves and using repellents, seeking early consultation when symptoms appear, and supporting fogging or spraying in areas with high incidence of dengue.
Meanwhile, despite the alarming numbers, the PHO reported during the provincial government’s weekly Monday flag raising ceremony yesterday, September 8, that cases have been steadily declining since Morbidity Week 29 (July 13–19, 2025). For Morbidity Week 36 (August 31–September 6, 2025), only 12 new cases were recorded, a significant drop from the peak in Morbidity Week 28, when 234 cases were reported.
This decline demonstrates the effectiveness of collective efforts, particularly from primary care facilities and community partners.
The PHO, however, reminded Antiqueños that the rainy season continues to pose risks by creating more mosquito breeding sites.
“While progress is evident, the community must not be complacent in order to protect lives and sustain the province’s fight against dengue,” the PHO added./PN
