ILOILO City – From Jan. 1 to March 26 of this year, 473 dengue cases with 12 deaths were recorded in Western Visayas.
This is 29 percent lower than the 665 cases (with nine deaths) reported in the same period last year, data from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 showed.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albpictus and Aedes aegypti) that live and breed and clean, stagnant water.
Here’s the breakdown of the 473 cases:
* Aklan – 12 cases with one death
* Antique – 61 cases with one death
* Capiz – 48 cases with one death
* Guimaras – six cases
* Iloilo – 103 cases with five deaths
* Iloilo City – 16 cases
* Negros Occidental – 166 cases with two deaths
* Bacolod City – 59 cases with two deaths
According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea / vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.
For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness.
But while cases are down regionally, figures are up in the provinces of Iloilo and Negros Occidental, according to Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, medical coordinator for dengue program of DOH Region 6.
In Iloilo, DOH recorded a six percent jump in cases – 103 cases with five deaths – from last year’s 97 cases.
In Negros Occidental, the increase was sharper at 18 percent – 166 cases with two deaths, up from last year’s 141 cases.
Natalaray reminded local government unit (LGUs) to observe the 4S strategy against dengue – search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; self-protection measures like wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent; seek early consultation; and support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak./PN
