ANTIQUE – Search and destroy the breeding places of mosquitoes.
Practice self-protection from mosquito bites.
Seek early consultation when experiencing signs and symptoms of dengue.
Fogging is the last resort if all other steps to curb dengue fail.
According to the Antique Provincial Health Office (APHO), Antiqueños must observe these strategies (popularly called 4S) to contain in dengue, a viral mosquito-borne disease.
From Jan. 1 to May 21, the province saw dengue cases rising to 408 with three deaths, APHO data showed. These were recorded in the following areas:
* Sibalom (98 cases with one death)
* San Jose (90 cases)
* Hamtic (56 cases with one death)
* Bugasong (45 cases with one death)
* Anini-y (33 cases)
* San Remigio (23 cases)
* Patnongon (13 cases)
* Barbaza (nine cases)
* Laua-an (eight cases)
*Tibiao (seven cases)
* Valderrama (seven cases)
* Tobias Fornier (six cases)
* Sebaste (six cases)
* Belison (four cases)
* Pandan (two cases)
* Culasi (one case)
“Sa pagsaka kang kaso ka dengue sa atun probinsiya, ginapangabay namon nga umpisahan natun ang 4S strategy ilabi na gid sa kadya nga panahon kang tig-ururan,” said APHO chief Dr. Leoncio Q. Abiera Jr.
Only two towns in Antique are left dengue-free – Libertad and Caluya.
Dengue is caused by day-biting mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water. Symptoms can be mild or severe.
Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and often requires care at a hospital.
Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash.
The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following:
* nausea, vomiting
* rash
* aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain0
Symptoms of dengue typically last two to seven days. Most people will recover after about a week.
As for severe dengue, it can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.
Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24 to 48 hours after fever has gone away.
Immediately go to a local clinic or emergency room if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms:
* belly pain, tenderness
* vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
* bleeding from the nose or gums
* vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
* feeling tired, restless, or irritable/PN
