ILOILO City – In 2023, dengue cases in Western Visayas decreased by nearly half compared to the previous year.
The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 reported that from January 1 to December 31, 2023, a total of 8,517 cases with 30 deaths were recorded in the region. This represented a 45% decrease from the 15,411 cases in 2022.
The breakdown of the cases and deaths per province and highly urbanized city is as follows:
* Aklan – 1,228 cases with five deaths
* Antique – 681 cases with two deaths
* Bacolod City – 597 cases with three deaths
* Capiz – 988 cases with five deaths
* Guimaras – 255 cases with one death
* Iloilo City – 1,224 cases with three deaths
* Iloilo province – 1,992 cases with two deaths
* Negros Occidental – 1,552 cases with nine deaths
However, DOH-6 noted that the reported case counts are subject to change after the inclusion of delayed reports and verified cases.
DOH-6 reported that dengue affected individuals as young as 23 days and as old as 96 years. The most affected age group was one to 10 years old, accounting for 44% of the total cases. The province of Aklan recorded the highest increase in cases, with 1,228 cases in 2023 compared to 837 in 2022.
Clustering of dengue cases was observed in 17 barangays in the region. A cluster is defined as three or more cases reported within the last four consecutive weeks.
DOH-6 reminded the public to practice the 5S strategy against dengue: search and destroy breeding places, seek early treatment, self-protection measures, say yes to fogging if there is an outbreak, and sustain hydration.
Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a cleanup campaign to eliminate mosquito breeding sites at least once a week.
The public is advised to:
* Empty and scrub water storage containers, resealing them after refilling.
* Clean the insides of flower vases, plant pots, or pet bowls and change the water regularly.
* Clean drains and gutters.
* Dispose of unused containers and objects that can accumulate water.
* Turn over containers that cannot be discarded and protect them from rain.
* Remember that even a bottle cap can contain enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
Dengue fever, caused by a virus transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti), can lead to a severe flu-like illness and, in some cases, be fatal.
Symptoms include a sudden high fever reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headache, persistent nausea or vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin./PN
