IMAGE by DANIELLA MARIE AGACER
ILOILO CITY — Cases of dengue in Iloilo have significantly dropped since a surge early this year, but local health officials emphasize that the danger is far from over.
Dr. Rodney Labis, provincial health officer 1, said cases still surpassed the outbreak threshold.
This is why local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant in their fight against the mosquito-borne disease.
From Jan. 1 to Oct. 5, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recorded 10,075 dengue cases with 25 deaths.
“Based on the dengue epidemic curve of the province, the dengue cases are steadily declining, but we are still above the outbreak level,” Labis said in an interview on Oct. 11.
The highest number of cases was recorded from Aug. 4 to 10, with 1,122 cases in just one week.
Since then, dengue infections have steadily decreased.
Labis said the progress, while promising, should not lead to complacency as dengue remains a serious public health risk.
He reiterated that communities must not let their guard down and must actively participate in mosquito control to prevent future outbreaks.
The rise in dengue cases has been attributed to the rainy season, which creates breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that cause the illness.
The infection triggers a severe flu-like illness, often followed by a severe drop in an infected person’s platelet count.
Among other symptoms are severe headache, pain behind the eyes, full-body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands or rashes.
Health authorities urged residents to take preventive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and seeking early medical intervention for symptoms.