The Iloilo Provincial Health Office has called on everybody to undertake sustained pre-emptive measures against dengue. 

PHO Chief Dr. Patricia Trabado said the public must be reminded of the 4S strategy which the agency is strongly enforcing. 

The 4S strategy include: 1) Search and destroy breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes like jars, bottles, old tires, and anything that can hold water, even leaves in the surroundings; 2) Seek early consultation and medical intervention; 3) Self-protection, with the use of insect repellants or mosquito nets; and, 4) Say no to indiscriminate fogging. 

As of February 5, Iloilo had 160 cases with two deaths from the towns of Banate and New Lucena. 

The reported cases came from 31 out of 42 municipalities in the province. 

On the other hand, Trabado said continued close monitoring of the fever of patients should be done. 

“The drop in the fever of a person affected is not a sign of full recovery but this is the time when dengue manifests its symptoms,” Trabado said. 

“This period should not be taken for granted as this is the time when dengue virus attacks. Its symptoms are bleeding, rashes, intense tiredness and headaches, muscle and joint pains, vomiting among others,” she added. 

Trabado said it is always best to be checked by a physician.*PIA