From 17 cases on January 1–February 16 last year, the cases rose to 216 during the same period this year, according to the PHO.
This capital city had the most number of cases with 94.
It was followed by Mambusao and Sigma with 17 each; Jamindan with 13; Panit-an, 12; and Pontevedra, 11.
Other dengue affected municipalities and their respective number of cases were:
- Dao – six
- Pilar – six
- Sapi-an – six
- Panay – five
- President Roxas – five
- Ivisan – four
- Cuartero – three
- Dumarao – three
- Maayon – three
- Dumalag – one; and
- Tapaz – one.
Most of the victims were aged one to 10 years old (94 cases) and 11–20 years old (85 cases), the PHO said.
Nine patients from Aklan had undergone treatment in Capiz — four from Kalibo, two from Buruanga, two from Malay and one from Lezo.
Among the probable reasons for the spike in the number of cases were climate change and the undestroyed mosquito breeding grounds, said Integrated Provincial Health Officer Dr. Samuel Delfin.
Delfin said the PHO has met with the rural health units and the Roxas City and Capiz divisions of the Department of Education, among other offices, to discuss measures to spread awareness on the disease.
He advised the public to apply the Department of Health’s 4S strategy against dengue: Search and destroy, Seek early consultation, Self-protective measures and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.
The active participation of the people is a big help in the campaign against dengue, Delfin said.(RALPH JOHN MIJARES/PN)
