KALIBO, Aklan – From January 1 to October 23, 2023, the province of Aklan recorded 848 dengue cases, according to the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.
Four dengue-related deaths were also reported in Aklan for the same period.
The province had 13 new cases in morbidity week 43 from October 22 to 28.
As of October 23, Western Visayas had registered 5,510 dengue cases, marking a 61 percent decrease from the cases logged last year.
The region also recorded 24 deaths, along with 18 new cases.
Iloilo province has the highest number of dengue cases, with 1,287, followed by Negros Occidental, with 910.
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, the World Health Organization said.
The most common symptoms are headache, nausea, high fever, rash, and body aches.
Most people recover within 1-2 weeks, but some develop severe dengue and require hospital care.
DOH urges the public to observe the 5S Strategy against dengue:
* search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
* self-protection measures such as using insect repellents
* seek early consultation at the nearest health care facility
* support fogging, spraying, and misting in hot spot areas
* sustain hydration/PN