KALIBO, Aklan – Dengue incidence in Aklan has more than doubled so far, with six municipalities reported more than 150% increase in dengue cases.
Dengue complications markedly increased from 702 cases in 2023 to 1,419 this year, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
The PHO said the higher-than-expected incidence in six municipalities is alarming, with 598 cases reported from January 1 to August 12 this year.
Malay town has the highest increase in the number of dengue cases at 1,877%, Buruanga followed at 778%, Batan at 253%, Tangalan at 238%, Makato at 195%, and Libacao at 150%.
Malay also registered the highest number of dengue cases with 257, Kalibo with 230, Nabas with 112, Ibajay with 99, and Numancia with 97.
Overall, the dengue cases in the province is up by 102% in 2024 compared to 2023 for the same period.
The PHO is also monitoring the clustering of dengue cases in 69 barangays in 15 towns.
In a bid to address the alarming dengue cases, health authorities reminded the residents to search and destroy Aedes breeding places, secure self-protection measures, seek early consultation, and say yes to fogging in hotspot areas.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Cases are most commonly asymptomatic or result in mild febrile illness.
However, some cases will develop severe dengue, which may involve shock, severe bleeding or severe organ impairment, according to World Health Organization./PN
