ILOILO – Children, particularly those aged one to nine years old, are the most affected by dengue fever in this province. According to data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), out of the 705 recorded cases of dengue, which resulted in five deaths between January 1 and February 22 of this year, 263 cases were among children aged one to nine years.
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that breed in clear, stagnant water. It can be fatal if not properly managed, and early medical intervention is crucial.
The second-highest age group affected in this province was those aged 10 to 19, with 222 cases., IPHO data further showed.
Infants under one year old were also significantly affected, with 19 cases recorded.
The breakdown of dengue cases by age group in Iloilo this year is as follows:
* less than one year old – 19 cases
* one to nine years old – 263 cases
* 10 to 19 years old – 222 cases
* 20 to 29 years old – 85 cases
* 30 to 39 years old – 31 cases
* 40 years old and above – 84 cases
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, stressed the importance of protecting children from mosquito bites. She urged parents and guardians to dress children in long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, use mosquito repellents, and seek medical attention immediately if a child develops a high fever for two days along with other dengue symptoms such as severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
“We should not let our children get bitten by mosquitoes. If they show signs and symptoms of dengue, they must be immediately consulted at our health facilities for proper management and to avoid complications,” said Quiñon.
Quiñon also highlighted the importance of early consultation, as three of the five recorded dengue-related deaths this year were children:
* a two-year-old girl from Tigbauan
* a six-year-old boy from Pototan
* an 11-month-old boy from Oton
The other two fatalities were a 67-year-old female from Pototan and a 71-year-old male from Carles.
Quiñon assured the public that health facilities in the province are fully prepared to treat dengue patients. Medications, IV fluids, and dengue test kits are available, and there are fast lanes at district hospitals to prioritize dengue patients, ensuring they are attended to without long waiting times.
In terms of hospital expenses, Quiñon noted that PhilHealth now covers both mild and severe dengue cases, with indigent patients being treated for free.
The hospitalization cost for severe dengue is now covered up to P47,000, compared to the previous P16,000, while coverage for mild dengue cases has been increased to P19,500 from P10,000.
Given the rising trend of dengue cases, Quiñon urged everyone to maintain cleanliness in and around their homes. She emphasized that daily cleaning and searching for possible mosquito breeding sites should become a habit to reduce the mosquito population that could potentially carry dengue.
“We call on everyone to clean the surroundings daily, both inside and outside our homes, and actively search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites to prevent the spread of dengue,” Quiñon said.
The 705 dengue cases and five deaths recorded this year represent a 78 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which had only 395 cases and one death.
The following municipalities have the highest number of dengue cases this year so far:
* Leon – 42 cases
* Oton – 41 cases (1 death)
* San Joaquin – 38 cases
* Dumangas – 36 cases
* Cabatuan – 34 cases
* Lambunao – 31 cases
* San Dionisio – 31 cases
* Janiuay – 22 cases
* Tigbauan – 22 cases (1 death)
* Banate – 21 cases
Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant water found in containers such as flower pots, tires, and water tanks. Ensuring that homes are clean and free from such water sources is a key preventive measure, stressed the IPHO.
Other areas with reported cases were Barotac Viejo (19), Calinog (19), Sara (19), Guimbal (19), Estancia (17), Ajuy (17), Concepcion (17), Batad (16), Carles (16 cases with one death), Maasin (16), Passi City (15), Pototan (14 cases with two deaths), Barotac Nuevo (14), Pavia (14), San Miguel (13), Santa Barbara (13), Miag-ao (13), Badiangan (13), Dingle (12), San Rafael (11), Alimodian (10), Leganes (10), Balasan (seven), Lemery (seven), Mina(seven), Igbaras (seven), Tubungan (six), Anilao (five), New Lucena (five), Zarraga (five), Dueñas (five), San Enrique (four), and Bingawan (one)./PN
