ILOILO – From January 1 to January 13 of this year, the province recorded 28 dengue cases, originating from 15 towns and the component city of Passi City.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is raising public awareness on dengue, particularly during the current El Niño phenomenon, as the province begins reporting an increase in cases.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can lead to a severe flu-like illness and, in some cases, can be fatal. It is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever and at least two of the following symptoms: severe headache, nausea or persistent vomiting, swollen glands, muscle, bone and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin.
The breakdown of dengue cases per town is as follows: Miag-ao and Santa Barbara each reported four cases, Lambunao had three, San Joaquin and Calinog each had two, and Cabatuan, Oton, Janiuay, Alimodian, Barotac Viejo, Carles, Lemery, San Miguel, Balasan, Anilao, San Enrique, and Passi City each reported one case.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, noted that Miag-ao, Santa Barbara and Lambunao are the most affected towns, with the highest number of cases.
This year’s January 1 to 13 dengue cases are so far 18 percent lower than those in the same period in 2023, which totaled 34.
But despite the decrease in cases, Quiñon cautioned against complacency, particularly due to the El Niño phenomenon, which often leads to water storage practices such as stocking water in containers that can become breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes.
Recalling past El Niño periods, she emphasized the need for extra vigilance, as these conditions have historically led to an increase in dengue cases.
To combat the spread of dengue, Quiñon encouraged the public to practice the 4S strategies. These include searching for and destroying mosquito breeding sites, taking self-protection measures such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and using mosquito repellent, seeking early treatment, and supporting fogging or spraying in hotspot areas where an increase in cases has been registered for two consecutive weeks, to prevent a potential outbreak.
Quiñon also reminded the public to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dengue, such as headaches, fever, rashes, and body weakness, and to visit a Rural Health Unit (RHU) for testing if these symptoms are present.
She said RHUs are well-equipped with dengue test kits, provided by the Iloilo provincial government, to ensure that anyone showing symptoms can be tested for dengue./PN
