The number of dengue cases in the province for the first nine months of the year decreased by 72.9 percent compared to the same period last year, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported.

Based on the report of the Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, the number of cases recorded from January to September is 1,841 compared to 6,793 cases last year.

The top 10 areas in the province with the most number of cases include Cabanatuan City with 337 followed by Guimba with 151, Quezon, 89; Jaen, 87; San Antonio, 86; Gapan City, 85; Sta. Rosa, 83; Talavera, 81; General Tinio and Sto. Domingo with 79 cases each.

Dr. Josefina Garcia, PHO’s office-in-charge, said Monday the decline in the number of dengue cases could be attributed to vector management, increased awareness, and community participation.

“Sa pag-aaral kasi, ‘yung mosquito carrying dengue ay kumakagat sa pagbubukang liwayway, yung madilim-dilim pa at sa dapit-hapon yung padilim na. ‘Yun ang peak bite time ng lamok na may dalang dengue virus (In a study, the mosquito carrying dengue bites at dawn, when it is still dark and at dusk when it is already dark. That is the peak bite time of the mosquito carrying the dengue virus),” Garcia said.

Despite the significant drop, she reminded the public to remain vigilant and to continue observing the 4S strategy in fighting dengue.

This includes self-protection, search and destroy mosquito breeding places, seek early consultation; and support fogging or spraying only in hotspot areas where an increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

Another strategy is the 4 o’clock habit that encourages the community to search and destroy mosquitoes’ breeding places.

Dengue fever is marked by the onset of sudden high fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes, muscles, and joints. Some may develop rashes and varying degrees of being in different parts of the body. (PNA)