Dengue cases, deaths rise in Iloilo

IMAGE: Daniella Marie Agacer

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Health officials are urging Ilonggos to step up cleanup efforts as dengue cases in Iloilo province rose by 82 percent in four months.

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) had logged 1,431 cases from Jan. 1 to April 19, almost double the 788 cases recorded over the same period last year.

The number of deaths due to the mosquito-borne disease also increased from three to eight during the same period. The most recent fatality was a 20-year-old college student from Dueñas town on April 10.

According to Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, the victim first developed symptoms on April 3 while staying in a boarding house in Iloilo City.

She returned home to Dueñas the following day and was admitted to the Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City on April 7.

READ: DOH warns of big dengue outbreak this year

The seven other dengue fatalities were reported from different areas in the province: a 27-year-old woman from Balasan, a 47-year-old man from Carles, a 2-year-old girl from Tigbauan, a 6-year-old boy from Pototan, an 11-month-old baby boy from Oton, a 67-year-old woman from Pototan and a 71-year-old man from Carles.

Authorities warned that the onset of the rainy season could worsen the dengue cases.

The public has been strongly urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, apply insect repellents and seek prompt medical care. —Ruchelle Denice Demaisip