Dengue cases in Iloilo near 400

ILOILO City – Almost 400 cases of dengue were recorded in Iloilo province in about the first half of the year, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.

Again, the PHO advised the public to employ the “4S” strategy to combat the spread of the viral disease.

But the agency admitted that the public health issue cannot be curbed without cooperation from communities.

A total of 392 dengue cases with two deaths were recorded in the province from January to June 23, the PHO said.

In the same period last year there were only 315 cases but there were four deaths, records showed.

This year Janiuay topped the municipalities in terms of number of cases: 50 with one death – a sharp increase from only three cases last year. In 2016 there were 41 cases in the town.

Ajuy followed with 27 cases with one death.

Rounding out the top 10 towns in the province with the most number of dengue cases during the January to June 23 period were:

* component city of Passi – 25

* Calinog – 24

* Dumangas – 19

* Pavia – 18

* Oton – 16

* Pototan – 15

* Anilao – 13

* Cabatuan – 13

All municipalities have their respective campaigns against dengue, said Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado, PHO chief.

But local health officials were giving particular attention to the abovementioned towns.

“Gina-continuously monitor ta ang mga banwa kag gina-identify ang may clustering kay amo na ang areas nga tutokan,” Trabado said.

“Clustering” of cases means there are three or more cases within four consecutive weeks, the PHO said.

Iloilo province has 42 municipalities.

The Department of Health has been emphasizing the use of the 4S strategy against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases:

* Search and destroy mosquito breeding places

* Self-protection measures

* Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days

* Say “no” to indiscriminate fogging

Community cooperation and support are essential in preventing the spread of the disease, Trabado stressed.

“Ini nga butang indi masolbar sang pila ka tawo. That’s why community gid ina,” the PHO chief said.

“Kada balay tani naga-entra sa campaign para mauntat naton [ang paglapta sang dengue], especially sa areas nga may kaso nga naga-exist,” she said.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is an acute mosquito-borne viral infection that affects infants, young children and adults. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea./PN