Capiz under state of calamity after dengue fever outbreak
ROXAS CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its special session Tuesday has approved a resolution declaring a statement of calamity in Capiz province and its component city, Roxas City, because of dengue outbreak.
Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. requested the Provincial Board to pass the resolution so that the provincial government can utilize its 5 percent calamity fund to help dengue patients.
Board Member Remia Fuetes Bartolome proposed the resolution immediately approved by her colleagues.
On Monday, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council held an emergency meeting to come up with an action plan to stop the increase of dengue cases in Capiz.
From January to July 27, cases already reached 1,285 with 10 deaths, Provincial Health Office records show.
Gov. Victor Tanco appealed to local officials in Capiz to set aside politics and urged them to unite with other sectors in initiating effective measures to prevent the increase of dengue fever.
Dr. Evelyn Bolido, PHO medical specialist VI, said more than 1,000 dengue cases were recorded within a seven-month period.
The figure is rather dramatic as it tripled from only 306 cases in 2009, she said.
On the use of herbal plant locally known as “tawa-tawa” to cure dengue, Dr. Elmer Bucayan of PHO said there is no study that shows it is effective against dengue.
Vendors in public markets here sell “tawa-tawa” as anti-dengue treatment and many victims claimed they were cured after drinking water boiled with the herbal plant.*
