IMAGE Daniella Marie Agacer
ILOILO CITY — The number of dengue cases in Iloilo province has increased vastly in the first half of 2024.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recorded 2,493 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to July 20.
This represents a 161-percent surge from the 956 cases over the same period in 2023.
Two persons died of dengue in Iloilo in 2023. But in the first half of 2024 alone, six persons have died of the disease in the province.
READ: Iloilo health office seeks public’s help as dengue cases rise
Passi City recorded the highest number of dengue cases at 171, followed by Lambunao with 155, Badiangan with 116, Dumangas with 111, and Calinog with 110.
Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the IPHO’s Health Service Delivery Division, said children one to 10 years old were the most affected, with 912 cases, while those 11 to 20 years old accounted for 829 cases.
The IPHO has intensified dengue control measures, emphasizing the need to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, support fogging in hotspot areas, and sustain hydration.
The IPHO is collaborating with the Department of Education to integrate anti-dengue campaigns.
READ: Dengue cases up in Western Visayas
He said dengue cases were expected to peak in August.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to adopt preventive measures to mitigate the spread of dengue, which is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The infection triggers a severe flu-like illness often followed by a severe drop in an infected person’s platelet count.
Other symptoms are severe headache, pain behind the eyes, full-body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rashes.