KALIBO, Aklan – From January to June this year, there are already 103 cases of dengue here, said the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

PHO said Kalibo had the highest number of cases at 40, followed by Banga with 11, and Numancia with 10.

Provincial Health officer Dr. Victor A. Santamaria said cases mostly came from thickly-populated areas.

The highest number of cases (31) was recorded in June. For the six-month period, only Buruanga, Madalag and Libacao towns had 0 cases.

The distribution of cases was as follows: Altavas, 5; Batan, 8; Balete, 1; New Washington, 6; Lezo, 3; Makato, 5; Malinao, 3; Ibajay, 4; Malay, 2; Nabas, 2 and Tangalan, 3.

For the same period last year, Aklan had a total of 43 cases. Of the number, Kalibo had the highest number of cases with 22.

Dr. Santamaria said dengue can affect anybody — rich or poor, young or old.

However, he said, children are more prone to dengue due to factors like short clothing or weak immune systems.

"Dengue now affects people year-round," Dr. Santamaria said.

To prevent dengue, people are urged to practice the four o'clock habit through cleaning their surroundings, making sure that cans, coconut shells, old tires and other garbage do not collect water where mosquitoes could breed.

People are also advised to use mosquito nets and have their windows screened to prevent the insects from getting inside houses.

"Rooms which are seldom used should be inspected often; mosquitoes stay in undisturbed places", Dr. Santamaria added.

Besides clear but stagnant water in cans and tires, health workers here found out that mosquitoes also breed in water collected in bamboo poles used as posts of fences of houses.

They advised the people to cover the poles to prevent water collection.

Dr. Santamaria said people should strengthen their immune system by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly. (Venus G. Villanueva/PIA)