BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO City – From January 1 to June 1, the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) recorded 176 dengue cases with no reported deaths.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Dr. June Frances Umani, Medical Officer 4 at the Tanza Health Center and coordinator for the reemerging infectious disease program, warned of the potential rise in dengue cases this rainy season.
Data from the CHO show that the age group with the highest number of dengue cases is below one year old, accounting for 50 cases. This is followed by the 1-10 years age group with 39 cases, the 11-16 years age group with 16 cases, and the 21 years and above age group making up the rest.
The highest number of cases were recorded in Arevalo district with 56, followed by Molo district and Jaro II Area with 23 each, Jaro I Area with 20, Mandurriao district with 10, Barangay Sto. Rosario with nine, Barangay Tanza with eight, and Lapuz district with five cases.
This year’s figures show a 29.6 percent drop compared to the same period last year when 250 cases and three deaths were reported.
“We hope to maintain the low number of dengue cases. We must be vigilant and not complacent as the rainy season has started,” said Dr. Umani.
She urged barangays to implement the 5S strategy against dengue:
* search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
* self-protective measures
* seek early consultation
* support fogging and spraying
* sustain hydration
“We emphasize that the clean-up drive against dengue must start at everyone’s household, sa aton mga ugsaran,” Dr. Umani said.
In late May, the CHO distributed larvicides to the city’s 180 barangays to treat potential breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Additionally, the CHO mobilized teams to conduct public awareness campaigns on dengue prevention./PN
