The number of dengue cases in Western Visayas has climbed to almost 3,500, data from the Department of Health (DOH-6) showed.
From January 1 to June 8 this year, DOH-6 logged a total of 3,482 cases of dengue, a viral infection caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The figure, which includes nine deaths, is higher by 22 percent compared 2,855 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Most or 40 percent of the latest number of cases involved children aged 10 and below.
The province of Iloilo registered the highest number of cases in the region at 1,120; followed by Aklan with over 500 cases, Negros Occidental with over 470 cases, Capiz with over 450 cases, Antique with over 260 cases, Iloilo City with over 220 cases, Guimaras with over 170 cases, and Bacolod City with over 150 cases.
DOH-6 reminded the public to practice the “4S” strategy to combat dengue fever.
“We are now entering the rainy season. The more that we advocate for our 4S strategy in our barangays. As early as now, we started our advocacy at the barangay level to search and destroy (mosquito) breeding places,” Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray of DOH-6 said.
The 4S strategy stands for search and destroy breeding places, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas.IMT
