By Xander Ledesma
The Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported a significant increase in dengue cases this year, with 1, 545 cases recorded from January 1 to November 3, including three fatalities. This marks a sharp rise from the 675 cases, including two deaths, reported in the same period last year.
Irene Duldoco, the information officer for Antique IPHO, emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in households and communities to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. This call to action follows the highest dengue incidence in Tibiao, which recorded 204 cases, the most among Antique’s 18 municipalities.
The IPHO has been working with local governments, including Tibiao, to conduct fogging operations and encourage environmental cleanliness. Duldoco highlighted the need for households to actively remove potential mosquito breeding grounds to help combat the rise in cases.
In addition, the IPHO continues to promote the 4S strategy: Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites, employ Self-Protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging and spraying in hotspot areas where dengue cases have been elevated for two consecutive weeks.
Marami Hecita, Coordinator for the Aedes-borne Viral Diseases Prevention and Control Program, urged the public to seek early consultation within 24 hours if they experience fever or suspect they have contracted dengue. Hecita further advised households to clean their surroundings before the community fogging or misting.
With mosquitoes primarily active during the day, wearing long sleeves, long pants, and using mosquito repellents are crucial self-protection measures. Hecita also mentioned that the IPHO and rural health units (RHUs) are closely monitoring barangays even if no active dengue cases are reported, as the risk of recurrence remains high.