By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recorded a total of 1,003 dengue cases—the highest in the region—from January 1 to May 25, indicating a significant increase from last year’s numbers.
Data from the IPHO showed that the province logged 268 cases in a span of six weeks, marking a 69.1 percent increase from last year’s 593 cases during the same morbidity week.
Clustering of dengue cases, defined as three or more cases within a four-week period, was also reported in nine barangays.
The clustering was monitored in Odiongan in Badiangan (12 cases); Magdalo (3 cases) and Libertad (4 cases) in Banate; Santiago in Barotac Viejo; San Matias in Dingle; and Imbaulan in Lemery with 3 cases each; Poblacion East (3 cases) and Santa Monica (4 cases) in Oton.
Barangay La Consolacion in Miagao logged seven cases in four straight weeks, which the IPHO has already identified as a hotspot for dengue.
Of the 43 towns in the province, Lambunao leads with 72 cases, marking a staggering 3,500 percent increase from last year. Oton followed with 56 cases, Passi City with 53 cases, Miagao with 47 cases, Calinog with 46 cases, and Estancia with 39 cases.
Children and young adults are the most affected demographics of dengue. The age group 1-10 years has the highest number of dengue cases, with a total of 359 cases (190 females and 169 males), followed by the 11-20 years age group, which recorded 116 cases (61 females and 55 males).
The IPHO reminded the public to follow the improved 5S strategy of the Department of Health: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, self-protection, seek early consultation, support indoor and outdoor fogging or spraying, and sustain hydration.
The provincial government is set to kickstart the “Limpyo Iloilo for MoRProGRes,” a province-wide convergence clean-up drive on May 31 as part of its preparations for the La Niña phenomenon.
The clean-up drive will involve schools, government agencies, people’s organizations, religious organizations, business sectors, youth organizations, and cooperatives, among others.
