Antique reports 8 dengue mortality

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Provincial Health Officer reported that dengue has claimed eight (8) lives from the period covering January to August 2017 affecting six municipalities of the province.

“We have three deaths from the municipality of San Jose, and one each for the municipalities of Anini-y, Hamtic, Valderrama, Culasi and Patnongon,” said Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo as he urged the community to sustain efforts in cleaning the surroundings as a counter measure to get rid of the mosquito breeding sites.
The disease is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito that is infected with a dengue virus. Dengue fever is fatal and mainly affects children. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, ditches, tree holes, discarded tires, flower vases, and many other empty containers which collect rain water.

Naciongayo urged the public to practice the four “ S ” recommended by the Department of Health to help prevent the spread of the disease.The four “S” stands for Seek and destroy breeding ground of the mosquitoes; Self protection measures; Seek early medical consultation; and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.

Meanwhile, Supervising Sanitary Inspector Tessie M. Vergara said that around 356 dengue cases were recorded from January to August 16 and it is lower compared to 1,157 cases of the same period in year 2016, but the fatalities were higher this year at 8 compared to only three deaths in 2016.

According to Dr. Naciongayo, Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao directed the Provincial Health Office to intensify the campaign against dengue.

The provincial health officer reminded the public to always seek early medical consultation.

This full report is from Government/Philippine Information Agency/August 16/vvillavert