ILOILO – The 67 dengue-related deaths in this province (as of Aug. 24) were from 26 municipalities and the component city of Passi, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
These towns were Pototan (11); Cabatuan, Lambunao and Concepcion (five each); Maasin and Sara (four each); Santa Barbara and Carles (three each); Banate, Pavia, San Dionisio, Dueñas, Zarraga, Estancia, Bingawan, and Alimodian (two each); and Dingle, Dumangas, Ajuy, Oton, Janiuay, Leganes, Tigbauan, New Lucena, Igbaras, and San Joaquin (one each).
Passi City reported one dengue-related death.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 24 (34th morbidity week), the PHO recorded 17,346 dengue cases – 1,207 percent higher than the 1,327 cases with four deaths reported in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, 16 areas reported no dengue deaths. These were Leon, Calinog, Barotac Nuevo, San Miguel, Mina, Barotac Viejo, Miag-ao, San Enrique, Balasan, Badiangan, Anilao, Lemery, San Rafael, Batad, Guimbal, and Tubungan.
According to Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado, PHO chief, reported dengue cases appeared to be on the decline.
Dengue is caused by day-biting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that breed in clear, stagnant water.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea / vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rash.
For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness.
The Department of Health in Region 6 reiterated the importance of the 4S strategy against dengue. It stands for search and destroy mosquitoes’ breeding places, self-protection measures, seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days, and say “no” to indiscriminate fogging./PN
