Capiz dengue cases drop in September
ROXAS CITY – A significant decline of dengue cases in Capiz has been noted this September.
Figures of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Response Unit of Capiz Provincial Health Office show that from 1,059 patients in August, the number has dropped to only 115 cases from September 1 to 11.
PHO Information Officer Jeoffry Espiritu said records also showed the number of cases was far lower than those recorded in a two-week period last month.
From Jan. 1 to Sept. 1, 2010, Capiz has recorded 2,665 dengue cases with 19 deaths.
The peak of dengue cases was noted in August, after July and June with 896 and 280 cases, respectively.
Dengue-carrying mosquitoes have attacked mostly children age 1 to 20 years old, though it afflicts all ages, the ESRU report noted.
At the peak of the dengue epidemic last month, Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco led the launching of the “Oplan Kontra Dengue” aimed to institutionalize the four o’clock daily cleanliness habit.
Tanco said cleanliness in every household is a key to prevent and control the dengue epidemic.
Before the launching, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz passed a resolution placing the entire province under the state of calamity due to dengue epidemic.
The declaration allowed the provincial government to utilize a portion of its calamity fund to address dengue prevention and control.
Recently, the Department of Health launched a new strategy called “DENGUE” to fight the disease.
Dengue stands for: D for daily monitoring of patients; E-encourage oral intake of fluids; N-note any dengue warning signs likes bleeding; G-give paracetamol, not aspirin; U-use mosquito nets; and E-early consultation.*PIA
