Kalibo, Aklan (PIA ) - The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here has reported a total of 103 dengue cases in the province from January to June of this year.
The report showed that Kalibo, the provincial capital, has the highest number of cases at 40, followed by the towns of Banga, which has 11, and Numancia, 10.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Victor A. Santamaria said such cases mostly come from thickly-populated areas, as evidenced by the report. The month of June had the highest number of cases - 31 - during the six-month period. Only the towns of Buruanga, Madalag and Libacao reported 0 cases.
According to the report, five cases were recorded in Altavas, eight in Batan, one in Balete, six in New Washington, three in Lezo, five in Makato, three in Malinao, four in Ibajay, two in Malay, two in Nabas, and three in Tangalan.
During the same period last year, a total of 43 cases were recorded in Aklan province, with the capital, Kalibo, having the highest cases at 22.
Dr. Santamaria said dengue can affect anybody, "whether rich or poor, young or old." However, he said, "children are more prone to dengue due to several factors like weak immune systems. And dengue now affects people all year-round."
To prevent dengue, he said, people should thoroughly clean their surroundings, making sure that cans, coconut shells, old tires and other garbage do not collect water where mosquitoes could breed.
People should also use mosquito nets and have their windows screened to prevent the insects from getting inside their houses.
"Rooms which are seldom used should be inspected often because mosquitoes stay in undisturbed places," Dr. Santamaria added.
Besides clear but stagnant water in cans and tires, health workers in the province also found out that mosquitoes likewise breed in water collected in bamboo poles which are used as posts of house fences. The PHO officer advised Aklanons to cover such poles to prevent water collection.
He also urged people to strengthen their immune system by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluid and frequent exercising.
