The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has urged the public to remain vigilant against the possible transmission of dengue amid inclement weather conditions.

IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon said while cases are gradually declining, the province is still within the epidemic threshold and under a state of calamity due to dengue.

The province has 10,846 cases with 32 deaths from January 1 until November 2 this year, she said.

Of the 32 deaths, 17 were recorded in August when cases of dengue were at their peak.

She said it was unfortunate that another death was recorded during the first week of November.

“We thought since cases are gradually declining, there will be no more deaths. We are still within the epidemic threshold. The rain continues, and there is still a chance that the transmission will continue,” she added.

Quiñon said the most important preventive measure is to observe 4S — search and destroy breeding places, self-protection measures by wearing clothes where the body is less exposed, seek early treatment once signs and symptoms manifest, and say yes to fogging if there is an outbreak.

“Let us lessen their habitat to lessen their population and thereby lessen dengue cases,” she added. (PNA)