By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Despite extreme weather conditions, the Department of Health Western Visayas (DOH-6) reported that dengue cases in Western Visayas are nearing the 3,000 mark after logging 210 new cases from May 5 to May 11.
Currently, the total number of cases in the region stands at 2,837, marking an 18 percent increase compared to the 2,411 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
The DOH has previously cautioned the public against contracting vector-borne diseases such as dengue amid the ongoing El Niño phenomenon and dry season.
It explained that increased temperatures in the environment accelerate the breeding and development cycles of mosquitoes and other vectors. Warmer temperatures also expand the geographical range of these vectors, allowing them to thrive in areas where they were previously unable to survive.
Iloilo Province reported the highest number of new cases with 63, bringing its total to 880. Bacolod City followed with 34 new cases, reaching a total of 123, and Negros Occidental Province reported 24 new cases, totaling 398.
The DOH-6 also reported a new dengue-related fatality in Negros Occidental, involving a 61-year-old woman. This brings the total number of dengue deaths in the region to six.
The health department also monitored an increased attack rate of dengue in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras compared to the previous year.
At least 22 barangays in the region have been identified as having clusters of dengue cases, indicating localized outbreaks that require immediate attention and intervention.
The DOH-6 urges the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to control the spread of dengue through the enhanced 4S against dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; self-protection; seek early consultation; and support fogging or spraying indoors and outdoors.
