Iloilo City posted a 29.6 percent decline in the number of dengue cases in the first five months of the year.
From January 1 to June 1, 2024, the City Health Office (CHO) logged 176 cases of dengue, lower compared to 243 infections in the same period a year ago.
Dr. June Frances Umani, CHO coordinator for emerging and re-emerging infectious disease program, attributed the decrease mainly to the El Niño phenomenon.
No dengue deaths, clustering of cases, and hotspot barangays in the city have so far been reported, according to CHO.
“Hopefully, we can maintain this, but we must be vigilant since it is already rainy season,” Umani said.
Of the total cases this year, 56 were recorded in Arevalo, 52 in Jaro, 23 in Molo, 22 in La Paz, 10 in Mandurriao, 8 in City Proper and 5 in Lapuz.
Umani urged the public to observe the 5S – search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, self-protection measures, seek early consultation, support fogging/spraying, and sustained hydration – strategy amid the start of the rainy season.
She said they are encouraging barangays to observe the 4 o’clock habit and distribute larvicides that will be placed in canals to prevent larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes.
Dengue, which mainly affects children, is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Its symptoms include sudden onset of fever for two to seven days and at least two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes.IMT
