ILOILO City — From January 1 to September 7, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded an increase in dengue cases in Western Visayas, with figures reaching 22,741 cases and 53 deaths.
This marks a 284 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 5,926 cases and 25 deaths.
In the first week of September alone, the region reported 1,927 new dengue cases, including two fatalities. The breakdown of these cases is as follows: Aklan (135 cases, one death), Antique (94), Capiz (217 cases, one death), Guimaras (163), Iloilo (538), Iloilo City (170), Negros Occidental (375), and Bacolod City (235).
The cumulative data per province and highly urbanized city from the start of the year are as follows:
* Aklan – 2,238 cases, four deaths
* Antique – 1,205 cases, two deaths
* Capiz – 2,321 cases, six deaths
* Guimaras – 1,831 cases, one death
* Iloilo – 8,577 cases, 23 deaths
* Iloilo City – 1,577 cases, 10 deaths
* Negros Occidental – 3,671 cases, 10 deaths
* Bacolod City – 1,321 cases, three deaths
Additionally, DOH-6 reported that 897 barangays in the region have experienced clustering of cases, defined as three or more cases within four consecutive weeks. The breakdown of these barangays with clustering of cases per area is: Aklan, 58; Antique, 30; Capiz, 107; Guimaras, 66; Iloilo, 370; Iloilo City, 92; Negros Occidental, 146; and Bacolod City, 28.
Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, Medical Officer IV and head of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREID) of DOH-6, emphasized the continued initiatives to reduce dengue cases in the region. These include case and serotype surveillance, vector control activities in local government units, outbreak response monitoring to LGUs and hospitals, and the distribution of logistics and installation of screens.
Natalaray also reminded the community to persistently practice the 4S strategy against dengue: Search and destroy breeding places, Self-protection measures, Seek early treatment, and Say yes to fogging if there is an outbreak.
“Dengue can surge anytime, so it is crucial to protect ourselves against infectious diseases, especially now during the rainy season when practicing the 4S strategy is vital,” said Natalaray./PN
