ILOILO City – Dengue cases in Western Visayas from January to March 23 of this year were five percent higher than the cases recorded in the same period in 2023.
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, causing severe flu-like symptoms and, in extreme cases, death.
The region recorded 1,830 cases with three deaths so far, according to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6.
There were 1,742 cases in the first three months last year.
From March 17 to March 23, 2024, the RESU recorded 229 new cases.
Three provinces / highly urbanized cities have the highest number of newly-reported dengue cases:
* Iloilo Province – 78 new cases (481 total cases)
* Negros Occidental Province – 36 new cases (250 total cases)
* Capiz Province – 32 new cases (260 total cases)
Dengue symptoms include a sudden high fevert, severe headache, nausea or persistent vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin.
There is an increased attack rate in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Iloilo City, according to DOH-6.
The age range of those afflicted is from less than one year old to 98 years old, with a median age of 17 years old.
The most affected age group is one to 10 years old, accounting for 41 percent of the total 1,830 cases.
Furthermore, 26 barangays in Western Visayas have clustering of dengue cases.
Here is the breakdown of dengue cases per province and highly urbanized city:
* Aklan – 306 cases with one death
* Antique – 171 cases
* Capiz – 260 cases
* Guimaras – 79 cases
* Iloilo Province – 559 cases with one death
* Negros Occidental – 250 cases
* Bacolod City – 45 cases
* Iloilo City – 160 cases with one death
To prevent the rise of dengue cases, DOH-6 has introduced the 5S strategy.
The original 4S strategy included searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, self-protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellent, seeking early treatment, and supporting fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.
The fifth S, “sustain hydration”, advises the public to continue drinking oral rehydration solutions as recommended by a physician./PN
