BY JENNY ROSE BAYLON
ROXAS City – The number of dengue cases in the province of Capiz has risen to 689 so far this year.
According to the Provincial Health Office (PHO), the cases were recorded between Jan. 1 and Oct. 14.
It, however, stressed that the cases were 15.77 percent lower than the 818 cases reported in the same period in 2022.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash.
Ten barangays reported a clustering of cases (having at least three cases within a four-week period), according to the PHO.
These were barangays Baybay, Tanza and Bolo in Roxas City; Ilaya-Ivisan, Basiao and Malocloc Norte in Ivisan; Jolongajog in Pontevedra; Bongbongan and Poblacion Ilawod in Maayon; and Binangig in Panay.
The PHO said it is taking steps to prevent dengue from spreading. Its efforts include conducting an information campaign on preventive measures such as eliminating the breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes and promoting personal protection such as using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing.
Dengue mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus breed in clear, stagnant water.
The PHO emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in households and communities, safeguarding water containers, and disposing stagnant water.
If one exhibits dengue symptoms, immediately seek medical help, the PHO stressed./PN