ILOILO – So far this year, the towns of Miag-ao and Estancia recorded the highest dengue cases in this province at 40 and 26, respectively, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
Other towns with high dengue cases were Tigbauan (24), Dingle (19), Balasan (15), Janiuay (14), San Joaquin (14), Carles (13), Alimodian (12), Calinog (11), and Pavia (11).
According to the PHO, between Jan. 1 and Oct. 9, the province had 325 dengue cases of which one died (Estancia).
The cases plummeted by 74 percent from the 1,270 with 616 deaths logged in the same period in 2020, and 98 percent down from the 20,900 cases with 78 deaths in 2019, PHO said.
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 aegypti) that live and breed and clean, stagnant water.
Six towns recorded zero dengue cases: Anilao, Bingawan, Igbaras, Maasin, San Enrique, and Zarraga.
Here’s the case records of the remaining towns: Ajuy (11), Oton (10), Santa Barbara (nine), Dumangas (nine), Passi City (nine), Concepcion (seven), Sara (seven), San Dionisio (seven), San Rafael (six), Badiangan (five), Banate (five), Pototan (four), Batad (four), Guimbal (four), Lambunao (four), Dueñas (three), Leon (three), San Miguel (three), Cabatuan (three), Lemery (three), Barotac Nuevo (two), Barotac Viejo (two), Leganes (two) New Lucena (two), Mina (one), and Tubungan (one).
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 vomit, fatigue, and restlessness.
Dr. Maria Colmenares-Quiñon, PHO head, said a contributing factor to the decline in dengue cases is the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) community quarantine. People have the time to clean their surroundings and destroy possible breeding places of mosquitos, she said.
“We are anticipating a surge in dengue cases next year based on our historical data,” she said. “Every three years we experience an epidemic. The preparation must start now.”
Households are encouraged to follow the 4S strategy in fighting dengue:
* “search and destroy” the breeding places of mosquitoes
* “self-protection” from mosquito bites
* “seek early consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur
* “say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is a looming outbreak/PN
