ILOILO – Four persons have died of Japanese encephalitis in this province and the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recorded 10 more people that fell ill of it.
Japanese encephalitis is caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) which can be transmitted through bites from mosquitos called Culex tritaeniorhynchus that live in rural/agricultural areas such as rice-growing and pig-farming regions.
Most people who get infected experience mild or no symptoms. In people who develop severe disease, early symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting. These symptoms may be followed by disorientation, coma, and seizures. Seizures are more common in children.
The IPHO urged Ilonggos to take precautionary measures so as not be bitten by mosquitoes.
Between January and March, IPHO recorded 14 laboratory confirmed cases and of these, four died, said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, provincial health officer.
The cases were in the municipalities of Ajuy (one), Badiangan (one), Barotac Nuevo (one case who died), Barotac Viejo (two cases, one of them died), Cabatuan (one), Dingle (one), Dueñas (one), Dumangas (one), Janiuay (one), Leganes (one case who died), Lemery (one case who died), Passi City (one), and San Rafael (one).
Here’s the breakdown of cases by age group:
* less than one year old – one case
* one to 10 years old – nine cases
* 11 to 20 years old – two cases
* 21 to 30 years old – two cases
Seventy-eight blood samples were extracted between January and March for analysis in Metro Manila; results were released just this June 5.
Quiñon assured Ilonggos there is no outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in Iloilo but she urged them to be vigilant.
“Ang case fatality sang Japanese encephalitis is very high, as much as 30 percent. Ang lain pa, kon mabuhi ka, may ara permanent neurologic or psychiatric complications sa 30 to 50 percent of cases,” added Quiñon.
There is no cure for Japanese encephalitis, said the IPHO chief, and cases are simply being managed to relieve symptoms.
There is vaccine against the disease, said Quiñon, but the province does not have one at the moment.
Other symptoms are:
* feeling markedly tired
* agitation
* unsteadiness
* reduced consciousness
* abnormal muscle movement like tremors and spasm
* inability to blink or move other muscles
Quiñon said the 4S strategy against dengue infection and spread is effective against Japanese encephalitis, too – search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; self-protection measures like wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent; seek early treatment; and support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas.
Quiñon said the IPHO is strengthening its surveillance and monitoring in affected municipalities./PN
