ILOILO – Between Jan. 1 and 26, this province recorded 19 dengue cases with two deaths.
The cases were in the following areas:
* Guimbal – five cases with one death
* Sara – three
* Concepcion – two
* Igbaras – two cases with one death
* Miag-ao, Ajuy, Oton, San Joaquin, Batad, Lambunao, and San Enrique – 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.
This month’s dengue cases were 47 percent down from January last year’s 36 cases.
PHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon urged Ilonggos to observe the 4S strategy versus 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
Quiñon said the PHO anticipates a surge in dengue cases this year – the third year of a three-year cycle of dengue outbreak.
“Ginapa-preparar ta ang aton mga banwa sang logistics kag ang mga bulong gina-preposition ingkaso may outbreak sa mga barangay mataw-an dayun sang bulong,” said Quiñon.
Last year Iloilo recorded 481 dengue cases with one death – a 22.4 percent drop from 2020’s 620 with two deaths.
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 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
