ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Health officials in Capiz warned Capiceños to be vigilant and take extra precautions against the possible increase of dengue cases now that the rainy season has started.

Department of Health (DOH) Representative in Capiz Dr. Leah Del Rosario urged the public anew to step up efforts in the conduct of clean-up and environmental sanitation activities that would prevent the spread of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Del Rosario said the cycle of the incidence rate peaks in three to five years but noted that lately, the cycle is becoming shorter.

To note, it was in August 2010 when Capiz with its component city was placed under the state of calamity because of the high dengue cases in the province.

According to the Provincial Health Office, as of May 19, there were 67 suspected dengue cases in Capiz, 11 are from other provinces but were confined in the different hospitals here.

Of these patients, three died.

Of the total cases, 32 are female and 35 were male patients and majority falls in one to 20 years old bracket.

Del Rosario consistently calls on the public to strengthen the implementation of the 4S strategies to prevent the deadly dengue fever.

4S means Search and Destroy, Self-protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, and Say No to Indiscriminate Fogging.

"Let us not be complacent about the low number of dengue cases here," Del Rosario said, pointing out that the best measure to counter said problem remains prevention.*PIA