LGUs in Aklan beef up health measures as province declares dengue outbreak

AKLAN, Philippines – The provincial government of Aklan has declared a dengue outbreak due to a surge in cases.

Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores signed Executive Order 073, Series of 2024, on Wednesday, August 28, following a recommendation from the Aklan epidemiological surveillance and response unit (APESRU) under the provincial health office.

According to APESRU, from January 1 to August 24 this year, 1,820 dengue cases have been reported, with four fatalities.

“Based on environmental investigation and upon conduct of dengue vector surveillance in the Municipality of Nabas (Western District), there is a presence of dengue mosquito vector (Aedes mosquito), which is classified as dengue-sensitive and high risk,” Miraflores explained.

The declaration aims to encourage local government units and schools to lead initiatives such as conducting simultaneous clean-up drives in all barangays for a month, searching for and destroying mosquito breeding sites, adopting self-protective measures like wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent, seeking early consultation upon the first signs and symptoms of the disease, and safely using fogging if an outbreak is imminent.

Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, chief of the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbukon Memorial Hospital, told Rappler in an interview that the provincial hospital is now at full capacity, with many patients admitted for dengue.

“The authorized bed capacity based on our license is 300 beds. The actual average number of in-patients is from 450 to 500. The DRSTMH is always full because we are the end-referral hospital for the province,” Cuachon said.

The Altavas District Hospital in the eastern district is also reportedly operating at full capacity due to dengue.

The town of Malay has reported the highest number of cases, with 329, followed by Kalibo with 284 cases, and Nabas with 157 cases.

Kalibo Vice Mayor Cynthia dela Cruz announced that the council has approved a resolution to form a dengue task force in the town to strengthen initiatives against dengue, and conduct fogging in hotspot areas.

In Malay, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office has implemented a daily siren at 5 pm to remind the public and prompt action against dengue. – Rappler.com