ILOILO – From Jan. 1 to Oct. 14 of this year, this province recorded 1,205 dengue fever cases with two fatalities.
This marked a 195.3 percent increase from the 408 cases and one death reported during the same period in 2022, data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed.
The fatalities this year occurred in the towns of Concepcion and Maasin.
Throughout 2022, there were 2,683 reported cases of dengue fever with 21 resulting in death.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti), which thrive and reproduce in clean, stagnant water.
The towns which so far recorded the highest numbers of dengue fever cases were Barotac Nuevo (74), Oton (64), San Joaquin (56), Ajuy (50), Janiuay (47), Igbaras (46), Banate (41), Dumangas (41), Calinog (41), and Alimodian (40).
Additionally, 33 other towns, including Passi City, reported cases this year, with the breakdown as follows: Leon (38), Estancia (38), Sara (37), Sara (37), Cabatuan (36), Passi City (36), Barotac Viejo (35), Carles (33), Pavia (31), Miag-ao (31), Concepcion (29), San Dionisio (29), Lemery (28), Pototan (28), Dingle (26), San Miguel (25), Tigbauan (25), Balasan (23), Guimbal (22), Badiangan (21), Santa Barbara (17), Anilao (17), Tubungan (15), Batad (12), Maasin (10), Dueñas (10), San Enrique (10), Bingawan (nine), Leganes (eight), Zarraga (eight), Lambunao (seven), San Rafael (five), New Lucena (four), and Mina two).
The demographic breakdown of the cases is as follows:
* less than one year old – 65 cases
* one to 10 years old – 592 cases
* 11 to 20 years old – 301 cases
* 21 to 30 years old – 135 cases
* 31 to 40 years old – 46 cases
* 41 years old and above – 66 cases
Recent data from the IPHO revealed that only one barangay, Trapiche in the municipality of Oton, experienced a clustering of dengue fever cases, with three cases reported.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares – Quiñon, head of the IPHO, said âclustering of casesâ refers to three or more cases occurring within a four-week consecutive period.
The IPHO emphasizes the importance of the 5S strategy to combat dengue fever: searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, seeking early medical treatment for symptoms, adopting self-protection measures, supporting fogging efforts during outbreaks, and maintaining hydration.
Additionally, the IPHO supports the World Health Organizationâs initiative for dengue prevention, advocating for the weekly cleanup of potential mosquito breeding grounds.
The following measures are advised:
* Empty water storage containers, scrub the insides, and reseal carefully after refilling.
* Clean the insides of flower vases, plant pots, or pet bowls and change the water.
* Clean drains and gutters.
* Dispose of any unused containers and objects that can accumulate water.
* Turn over any containers that cannot be thrown away and protect them from rain.
Dengue fever, which can be life-threatening, typically manifests with a sudden high fever reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit and is accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms: 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
