ILOILO CITY: The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has urged the public to remain vigilant against the possible transmission of dengue amid inclement weather conditions. IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon emphasized that while cases are gradually declining, the province remains within the epidemic threshold and is still under a state of calamity due to dengue.
According to Philippines News Agency, the province has reported 10,846 cases with 32 deaths from January 1 until November 2 this year. Of these deaths, 17 were recorded in August, a month when dengue cases peaked. Dr. Quiñon expressed concern over another death that was recorded during the first week of November, despite the declining trend in cases.
Dr. Quiñon highlighted the importance of the 4S strategy as a preventive measure. This involves searching and destroying breeding places, adopting self-protection measures by wearing clothes that expose less skin, seeking early treatment when signs and symptoms appear, and agreeing to fogging if the
re is an outbreak. “Let us lessen their habitat to lessen their population and thereby lessen dengue cases,” she urged, stressing the importance of these measures in controlling the transmission of dengue as the rains continue.