ILOILO CITY — The Department of Health Region 6 (DoH-6) has reported a significant rise in dengue cases across Western Visayas, reaching nearly 3,500 cases and resulting in nine fatalities as of the first week of June.
The region reported 199 new cases between June 2 and 8, raising the total to 3,482. When compared to the 2,855 cases reported during the same period in 2023, this is a 22 percent increase.
With 1,128 cases, Iloilo Province has recorded the most, followed by Aklan with 553 and Negros Occidental with 519.
The increase in cases was linked to water storage practices during the El Niño phenomena and dry season, according to Dr. Bea Natalaray, a medical officer at DoH-6’s Infectious Disease Section. “Due to water shortages, people tend to collect water in containers that become breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” she stated.
Nine people have died as a result of dengue, including four in Iloilo Province, three in Negros Occidental, and one in each of Aklan and Capiz. The most recent fatality was that of a boy, age 20, from Badiangan, Iloilo’s Barangay Odiongan.
Comparing this year’s DoH-6 data to previous year’s, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Guimaras had higher dengue attack rates. Natalaray emphasized that clusters of dengue illnesses—defined as three or more cases in a four-week period—are presently occurring in 29 villages in Western Visayas.
Due to persistent rises in cases and fatalities—40 cases as of June 1—Barangay Odiongan in Badiangan has been designated as a dengue hotspot.
The “4S” strategy—search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, take self-protective measures, seek early medical attention for symptoms, and support fogging or spraying both indoors and outdoors—is crucial, as Natalaray noted, since the start of the rainy season is predicted to worsen dengue transmission.
“The 4S Strategy is crucial for reducing mosquito populations and minimizing dengue transmission risks,” Natalaray added.
