By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported two dengue deaths in Barangay Odiongan in the town of Badiangan.
The victims, a 15-year-old high school student who passed away on May 15 and a 21-year-old student from Central Philippine University, died due to complications from dengue.
According to IPHO data, Badiangan recorded 40 dengue cases as of June 1, a 900 percent increase from the four cases reported last year.
In response to the rising cases, the local government declared a dengue outbreak on May 31.
The IPHO also reported that a clustering of dengue cases has been monitored in Barangay Odiongan, which has been designated a hotspot due to the increasing trend.
Over four consecutive weeks, Barangay Odiongan logged a total of 12 additional dengue cases.
Meanwhile, the IPHO declared clustering of dengue cases in six more barangays: Magdalo and Libertad in Banate, San Matias and Tabugon in Dingle, La Consolacion in Miagao, and Poblacion East in Oton.
La Consolacion is already considered a hotspot area, while Tabugon is a newly monitored barangay for clustering of dengue cases.
The province currently reports a total of 1,047 dengue cases and four confirmed dengue-related deaths.
Children and young adults are the most affected groups, with the age group 1-10 years having the highest number of cases at 452.
The IPHO has 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.
