Antique steps up anti-dengue drive

n Pilar S. Mabaquiao

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Antique Provincial Health Office (PHO) is stepping up its campaign against dengue amidst report of increasing number of cases early this year.

Teresita Vergara, Supervising Sanitary Inspector in an interview said that PHO has already recorded 30 dengue cases provincewide with one death since January.

The PHO headed by Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo call on local government units, communities and families to step up the campaign to ward off dengue mosquitoes all through out the year particularly that the weather condition of intermittent rain showers and sunny days is conducive for dengue mosquitoes to thrive.

Vergara stated that of the 18 towns of the province only 6 has no reported dengue cases. These are the towns of Anini-y, Laua-an, Sebaste, Pandan, Libertad and Island of Caluya.

Vergara emphasized that summer months can also cause dengue mosquitoes to multiply when the water are getting scarce and people tend to store it in containers that are not covered.

"We enjoin everyone to properly cover water containers to ensure they are not contaminated and will not serve as breeding places of mosquitoes," she said.

PHO reiterated its campaign on the 4S strategy to ward off mosquitoes. This includes search and destroy operations of the breeding places of mosquitoes such as stagnant clear water in tin cans, old tires, plastic containers and water vases.

Self protection, since dengue is a low-flying and day biting mosquito children are advice to wear long pants even during day time.

Seek early medical attention when patients suffer from signs and symptoms of dengue such as high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Say no to indiscriminate fogging because it is considered temporary solution to the problem. It cannot get rid of the larvae, instead it will only drive away mosquitoes to find new breeding places. Fogging is only advisable when there are epidemics and outbreaks.

Local government officials are urged to undertake massive information dissemination and mobilize community involvement in cleanliness and sanitation. – JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique