Cases of dengue in Western Visayas have ballooned to more than 18,000, according to the Department of Health (DOH-6).
From January 1 to August 24 this year, the region’s health department logged a total of 18,056 dengue cases with 42 deaths.
The number was higher by 229 percent compared to the 5,491 cases with 25 deaths recorded in the same period a year ago.
The province of Iloilo accounted for the highest dengue cases in the region at 7,020, followed by Negros Occidental with 2,864 cases; Aklan, 1,919; Guimaras, 1,446; Iloilo City, 1,118; Antique, 1,022; and Bacolod City, 849.
The dengue fatalities came from Iloilo province (20), Negros Occidental (8), Capiz (5), Iloilo City (4), Aklan (2), Antique (1), Guimaras (1) and Bacolod City (1).
Most or 34.4 percent of cases in the region belonged to the 11-20-year-old age group, while 31.7 percent came from the 1 –10 age group.
All age groups, according to DOH-6, have recorded dengue cases.
Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray of DOH-6 urged the public to seek immediate consultation once they manifest signs and symptoms of mosquito-borne disease.
“Let us not hesitate to seek early consultation because in our health facilities, we have distributed thousands of NS1 kits, and these are given free in our health facilities,” she said.IMT
