ILOILO – Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. announced he would declare a dengue outbreak through an executive order, citing the surge in cases in the first half of 2019. From Jan. 1 to June 28, dengue cases totaled to 3,897, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO). This is 788 percent higher than the 439 cases recorded in the same period in 2018.
“We have to declare an outbreak because we want to recognize that there is a problem. Based on historical data the cases now are already high,” Defensor said during the meeting of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter yesterday.
As of 9 a.m. yesterday, a total of 560 patients were admitted in various district hospitals of the province, data from the PHO showed.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albpictus and Aedes egypti) that live and breed and clean, stagnant water.
The executive order would be forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) next week and would be the basis for the declaration of a state of calamity, said Defensor.
The SP would be holding its session on July 9.
Pototan topped the PHO dengue list (376 cases with two deaths) followed by Passi City (317 cases with one death), Calinog (252), Concepcion (214 cases with four deaths), and Cabatuan (181 cases with one death).
With the declaration of an outbreak and state of calamity, Defensor said, the provincial government could resort to emergency purchase of intravenous fluids, medicines and dengue kits.
Other towns with high dengue cases are Lambunao (161 cases with one death), Ajuy (153), Carles (132), Janiuay (128), and Santa Barbara (126 cases with one death).
The other dengue-related deaths were the towns of Pavia (two deaths from 106 dengue cases), Bingawan (two deaths from 105 cases), Banate (two deaths from 63 cases) Banate (one death from 98 cases), and New Lucena (one death from 94 cases).
Meanwhile, mayors also agreed that a provincial-wide cleanup drive will be held every Saturday starting July 6. It will be done for four consecutive weeks.
It will start with a barangay assembly which will tackle the 4S Kontra Dengue campaign.
4S stands for “search and destroy” mosquito breeding places; “self-protection” from mosquito bites; “seek early consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur; and “say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is a looming outbreak.
“We want an intensified cleanup drive as a preventive measure in anticipation of an increase that might happen in August,” said Defensor. (LHC, Capitol News/PN)
