ILOILO – This province logged 521 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to May 27 – 44 percent higher than the 361 cases and six deaths recorded in the same period last year.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Provincial Health Office (IPHO), reminded parents anew to always practice the 4S strategy against dengue, especially this rainy season that gives dengue-carrying mosquitoes more breeding places.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness that can sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti) that live and breed in clean, stagnant water.
Earlier, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public that dengue is endemic and cases may rise.
“Remember, naga-ulan naman subong so puede nga madamo naman sang mapangitlogan ang mga lamok,” said Quiñon.
The 4S strategy includes searching and destroying mosquito-breeding sites, employing self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas.
Meanwhile, of the 521 dengue cases, 40 were logged in Barotac Nuevo and 34 were in Estancia.
The other towns with high cases were Ajuy (25), Calinog (21), Alimodian (20), Carles (20), Banate (19), Barotac Viejo (19), Oton (19) and Balasan (18).
Here are the other towns with cases: San Dionisio (17), Passi City (17), Pototan (16), Cabatuan (16), Dumangas (16), Sara (14), Lemery (14), Pavia (13), Miag-ao (12), Concepcion (11), Guimbal (10), Batad (10), Dingle (10), San Joaquin (10), Tigbauan (nine), Igbaras (nine), Dueñas (eight), Santa Barbara (eight), San Enrique (seven), Leganes (seven), Anilao (seven), San Miguel (seven), Zarraga (six), Janiuay (five), Maasin (five), Badiangan (five), Leon (four), Tubungan (four), Bingawan (four), New Lucena (two), Lambunao (one), and San Rafael (one).
Mina is the only town with zero reported dengue cases, said Quiñon.
IPHO record showed that the most affected age group is one to 10 years old with 287 cases. This is followed by 11 to 20 years old with 109 cases, 21 to 30 years old (44 cases), 41 years old and above (36 cases), and 31 to 40 years old (15 cases).
Quiñon said the provincial government through the IPHO distributed adulticide spray for dengue-carrying mosquitoes to local governments.
“May ara kita ginhatag sa aton rural health units and hospitals nga dengue test kits para ma-establish naton nga ang kawsa sang hilanat sang pasyente tungod ina sa dengue kag indi sa akon ano man nga rason or balatian,” she said.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.
For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in the vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./PN
