Dengue kills 24, downs over 5,500 in WV

The number of dengue cases in Western Visayas has reached more than 5,500, data from the Department of Health (DOH-6) showed.

From January 1 to October 28 this year, the DOH logged a total of 5,510 dengue cases.

The province of Iloilo accounted for the highest number of cases at 1,287.

It was followed by Negros Occidental with 910 cases; Aklan, 848; Iloilo City, 825; Capiz, 712; Bacolod City, 480; Antique, 263; and Guimaras, 185.

Meanwhile, the DOH recorded 24 deaths due to dengue. Four of the fatalities were from Aklan, 3 each from Iloilo province, Capiz, Bacolod City amd Iloilo City and 1 each from Guimaras and Negros Occidental.

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