ILOILO – This province is seeing a significant decline in dengue cases.
Between Jan. and May 1 this year, Iloilo recorded 116 dengue cases with one death – a 70 percent drop from the cases (390) recorded in the same period last year, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
Five local government units (LGUs) logged the highest dengue cases: Estancia (23 cases with one death), Tigbauan (eight), Carles (seven), and Dingle and Oton (six each).
Twelve LGUs have not recorded dengue cases this year. These were Anilao, Bingawan, Dumangas, Guimbal, Igbaras, Lemery, Leon, Maasin, Mina, San Enrique, Tubungan, and Zarraga.
According to PHO, these LGUs also had dengue cases:
* Miag-ao and Balasan – five each
* Batad, Pavia, Ajuy, and Alimodian – four each
* Calinog, Passi City, Badiangan, Banate, and Dueñas – three each
* Barotac Viejo, San Miguel, Janiuay, Santa Barbara, Sara, San Rafael, Barotac Nuevo, Leganes, and Pototan – two each
* San Dionisio, Cabatuan, Lambunao, New Lucena, San Joaquin, and Concepcion – one each
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albpictus and Aedes aegypti) that live and breed and clean, stagnant water.
As to the age group, PHO records further revealed that mostly-hit by dengue were kids aged one to 10 years old – 48 cases. Those aged 11 to 20 years old had 21 cases; less than one year old – 19 cases; 21 to 30 years old – 16 cases; 41 years old and above – 10 cases; and 31 to 40 years old – two cases.
‘DON’T BE COMPLACENT’
Despite the decline in dengue cases, the PHO is reminding the public to never be complacent especially that rainy season is approaching.
Rainy season is when cases of dengue surge, according to Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, acting chief of PHO.
The public should make the most of the current community quarantine by cleaning and destroying the possible breeding places of mosquitos, Quiñon added.
“We are anticipating a surge in dengue cases next year based on our historical data,” she said. “Every three years we experience an epidemic. The preparation must start now.”
Households are encouraged to follow the 4S strategy in fighting dengue:
* “search and destroy” the breeding places of mosquitoes
* “self-protection” from mosquito bites
* “seek early consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur
* “say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is a looming outbreak
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 rashes.
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./PN
