The province of Iloilo logged the highest number of dengue cases in Western Visayas (WV), data from the Department of Health (DOH-6) showed.
From January 1 to December 17 this year, Iloilo recorded 1,774 cases of dengue, a viral infection transmitted to humans by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Negros Occidental had the second-highest number of cases in the region with 1,363, followed by Aklan, 1,124; Iloilo City, 1,104; Capiz, 910; Antique, 506; Bacolod City, 559; and Guimaras, 223.
Overall, WV registered 7,500 dengue cases, lower by 50 percent compared to 15,100 cases in the same period last year.
The latest figure included 28 deaths. Of the fatalities, 9 came from Negros Occidental, 5 from Aklan, 4 from Capiz, 3 each from Antique and Iloilo City, 2 from Iloilo province, and 1 each from Antique and Guimaras.
Dengue mainly affects children. Its symptoms are 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
