By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH WV CHD) has noted an alarming rise in dengue cases, with nearly 1,500 instances and three deaths reported from January 1 to March 9 this year.
During the week of March 3 to 9 alone, the region saw an addition of 165 dengue cases, as per the data from the DOH WV CHD – Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), which was disseminated on March 12.
Iloilo province emerged as the most affected area with 74 new cases, contributing to a regional total of 427 cases.
Aklan and Capiz followed with 28 and 20 new cases, respectively, bringing their totals to 252 and 203 cases. Iloilo City also reported 20 new cases, increasing its count to 140 cases.
These recent cases have brought the cumulative total for the year to 1,467, marginally down by 1 percent from the 1,481 cases reported during the same timeframe in the previous year.
The RESU report also revealed a heightened attack rate of dengue in the provinces of Guimaras, Antique, Iloilo, and Capiz compared to last year.
In addition to these figures, 14 barangays across Western Visayas have observed a clustering of dengue cases, signaling a concentrated spread of the illness.
Health authorities have become particularly vigilant following the second dengue-related fatality in Iloilo province last month, which marked the region’s third death.
They are underscoring the necessity of continuous surveillance and preventive measures to curb the disease’s proliferation.
The public is urged to remain alert, actively work to eradicate mosquito breeding sites, and seek medical help immediately if signs of dengue fever appear.
