Antique placed under ‘state of dengue calamity’
THE province of Antique was placed under a state of calamity due to rising dengue cases in its 18 towns.
The Provincial Board approved a resolution filed by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Pio Jessielito Sumande Sr. declaring a state of calamity in the province.
Antique has reported a total of 1,575 dengue cases, with six deaths from the deadly mosquito. It was 556 percent higher than last year’s 241 cases, including two deaths for the same period.
The declaration of a state of calamity will pave the way for Antique Gov. Rhodora Cadiao to allot fund for dengue prevention and response programs.
All the 18 municipalities in the province have reported dengue cases, with most of the patients from the five towns of San Jose de Buenavista (355 cases and one death), Sibalom, with 266 cases with one fatality; Hamtic, with 180 cases with two deaths; Bugasong, with 170 cases with one death; and Anini-y with 107 cases.
Patnongon municipality has reported 56 dengue cases, with one death.
Dengue is transmitted through a bite of dengue-infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
The Department of Health repeatedly remind the public to practice the 4S in controlling mosquito population and avoiding any possible dengue deaths within the community.
The Enhanced 4-S campaign stands for Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure Self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.
