ILOILO City – Western Visayas registered 360 new dengue infections and one death in the week from June 16 to June 22, 2024.
This marks the highest number of new cases recorded in a single week for the region this year, according to the Department of Health (DOH-6).
Comparative data from previous weeks show a substantial increase, with 188 cases reported from June 9 to June 16, and 199 cases from June 2 to June 9.
The recent surge brings the total number of dengue cases in the region to 4,030 since the beginning of the year, with 10 fatalities — a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 3,213 cases.
The latest fatality is a 36-year-old male from the province of Antique.
Here’s the distribution of dengue cases and deaths across various areas of the region:
* Aklan – 630 cases, one death
* Antique – 301 cases, one death
* Capiz – 503 cases, one death
* Guimaras – 237 cases
* Iloilo Province – 1,309 cases, four deaths
* Negros Occidental – 638 cases, three deaths
* Bacolod City – 164 cases
* Iloilo City – 20 cases
DOH-6 has noted an increased attack rate in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras compared to the previous year.
The age range of those affected spans from less than one year to 98 years old, with children aged one to 10 years comprising 39 percent of the total cases.
Health officials urge the public to prioritize protection against dengue by recognizing the signs and symptoms of the disease, which include a sudden high fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, severe headache, persistent nausea or vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin.
The DOH-6 advocates the “4S strategy” against dengue, which includes searching and destroying breeding sites, seeking early treatment, practicing self-protection measures, and supporting fogging during outbreaks.
Meanwhile, the 360 new cases with one death were from the following areas: Aklan (53), Antique (29 cases with one death), Capiz (31 cases), Guimaras (47 cases), Iloilo Province (115 cases), Negros Occidental (58 cases), Bacolod City (seven cases), Iloilo City (20 cases)./PN
