ILOILO – The 13 district hospitals in this province, including the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan town, are prepared to handle an influx of dengue patients, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
Dengue cases continue to rise with the onset of the rainy season. From May 18 to May 25, there were 88 new cases, followed by an additional 44 new cases from May 26 to June 1.
This brings the total number of cases from January 1 to June 1, 2024, to 1,047, with four reported deaths. This is a significant 70-percent increase compared to the 616 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, causing severe flu-like symptoms and, in extreme cases, death. Symptoms include a sudden high fever of 104 Fahrenheit degrees, severe headache, nausea or persistent vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin.
The town of Badiangan has already declared a dengue outbreak as of May 30, with 40 cases and two deaths reported.
Governor Defensor said the provincial government has ensured the availability of dengue test kits, medicines, intravenous (IV) fluids, and the capacity to expand bed spaces in district hospitals if necessary.
Since the last quarter of 2023 and earlier this year, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has been distributing dengue test kits, IV fluids, and medicines to 43 Rural Health Units (RHUs) and district hospitals across the province.
The Hospital Management Office (HMO), under the leadership of Dr. Paz Calopiz, has also been preparing district hospitals for the potential surge in dengue cases.
Governor Defensor mentioned the possibility of expanding bed spaces, similar to the response during the province-wide dengue outbreak in 2019, where some district hospitals used tents from the Philippine Red Cross to accommodate patients. In some municipalities, such as Maasin, municipal covered gyms were utilized to house patients when RHUs could no longer manage the volume.
In addition to preparing health facilities, Governor Defensor stressed the importance of household-level preparation through the Department of Health (DOH) 6’s 5S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; secure self-protection; seek early consultation; support fogging; and sustain hydration.
To raise public awareness, the Iloilo provincial government, through the Provincial Government and Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), launched the “Limpyo Iloilo” campaign on May 30. This province-wide clean-up activity aims to reduce the risk of dengue and other water-borne diseases during the rainy season by implementing the 5S strategy and clearing waterways of debris and obstructions that could cause flash floods.
As of 8 a.m. on June 13, 16 dengue patients were admitted to the 13 district hospitals. The patients are distributed as follows:
* Aleosan District Hospital in Barangay Bancal, Alimodian – 3
* Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial District Hospital in Guimbal – 2
* Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan – 3
* Sara District Hospital in Sara – 2
* Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital in Calinog – 1
* Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Balasan – 2
* Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City – 2
* Barotac Viejo District Hospital in Barotac Viejo – 1
No dengue patients were admitted to the following hospitals:
* Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan
* Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital in Lambunao
* Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas
* Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Janiuay
* San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital in San Joaquin
The 13 district hospitals, including the Iloilo Provincial Hospital, have a total authorized bed capacity of 813 beds./PN
