KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) — The Provincial Health Office here urged the public to strengthen preventive and proactive measures as dengue cases in Aklan continue to increase and have already reached outbreak level.
In a press conference, PHO-Aklan Head Dr. Leslie Anne Sedillo confirmed that from Jan. 1 to Aug. 17, 2024, dengue cases in the province of Aklan have already reached the epidemic threshold.
“As of August 17, 2024, dengue cases in the province reached 1,686, as compared to last year, we have 731 cases. Based on the surveillance report, it has already reached or way above the epidemic threshold or outbreak level. As we can observe in our data, as of this week, the cases indeed increased and we will release the new report by Aug.28,” Sedillo said.
Sedillo reported that health facilities also in the province admitted more dengue patients and the occupancy rate of the hospitals increased.
She added that PHO-Aklan recommended the declaration of dengue outbreak in the province.
“We have discussed these and we presented with Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores the scenario of the province and the recommendation to declare the outbreak. According to him, he will declare an outbreak in the province of Aklan,” she stated.
Miraflores declared a dengue outbreak in the province of Aklan, in Aug. 28, supported by the issuance of Executive Order No. 073, series of 2024.
With the current situation of the province on dengue cases, PHO-Aklan called for the public’s support and cooperation.
“We share the data, we inform the public of these number of cases for you to be vigilant, mindful and observe precautionary measures,” she explained.
The PHO activated the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) for each barangay to implement strategies to prevent the spread of dengue.
According to Sedillo, the said measure calls for the regular and synchronized conduct of clean-up drives to destroy breeding places of the mosquitoes, as well as to seek consultation with a health center/facility for early detection if one has dengue and will be treated accordingly to avoid complications.
In support of the ABKD measure, the province likewise appealed to the public to strictly practice the 5S strategy to combat the disease. This strategy includes: Search and Destroy mosquito breeding places; Self-protect; Seek Early Consultation; Support fogging in outbreak areas; and Sustain hydration.
Search and Destroy
Roger Debuque, Registered Medical Technologist and Health Program Officer II of PHO-Aklan, emphasized that the very best way to eliminate mosquitoes is to destroy their breeding ground. Everyone should clean their surroundings as a clean environment is the first line of defense against dengue.
Self-Protect
PHO recommended wearing appropriate clothing and application of insect repellant lotion to guard against mosquito bites.
“The PHO already coordinated with the Department of Education and suggested requiring children/students to wear long pants and sleeves,” said Sedillo, adding that based on their latest report, most of the dengue patients belong to the 1 to 10 and 11 to 20 age groups, being vulnerable as they are usually outside the house, playing and going to schools.
Seek early consultation
The province of Aklan, as pointed out by PHO-Aklan, has health facilities that are capable of identifying and treating dengue patients.
“Usually, signs of dengue are high fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and rashes. We should know when to go to the health facility/hospital. We should know the red flags of dengue. Usually, dengue patients that are weak and dehydrated need to be admitted to hospital,” said Dr. Leo Ismael, Provincial Health Officer I of PHO-Aklan.
Say Yes to Fogging
The PHO reiterated that fogging should be done in places with clustering of cases or there is a looming outbreak. Every municipality in the province has trained staff to do the fogging.
Debuque further explained that conducting fogging should be done every seven days consecutively or four times a month to ensure coverage of every life cycle of mosquitoes.
Sustain hydration
“This is a viral infection. What we should do is to hydrate and hydrate. The issue of hydration is very important in dengue. Drinking plenty of fluids can help manage dengue symptoms and aid recovery,” Ismael noted.
In her closing statement on dengue, Sedillo said that the above strategies are already being practiced and observed here, and PHO repeatedly reminded the community.
“To our LGUs, let us help each other. Dengue infection cannot be eliminated by one person. We need the help of the entire community for us to stop the spread of this viral infection,” Sedillo appealed.
Per the latest record of PHO here, from Jan. 1 to Aug. 24, 2024, the province of Aklan has 1,820 cases of dengue; showing a 141 percent increase as compared to the same period last year with 755 cases. This year, the province’s death toll due to dengue is 4. (AGP/SQP/PIA-Aklan)
