W. Visayas' dengue record: 1,647 cases with 5 deaths

MANILA, Philippines – The regional health department in Western Visayas has raised the alarm on dengue fever as it has already recorded more than 1,500 cases in the last 5 months.

The regional health department said a total of 1,647 cases of dengue have been reported from January to June 10 of this year.

It said that the number of cases may increase with the onset of the rainy season.

Based on records of the regional health department, Negros Occidental has the most number of dengue cases with 522 victims and 2 deaths followed by Iloilo province with 126 dengue victims and also 2 deaths.

Third on the list is the province of Capiz with 301 dengue cases with 1 death.

Bacolod City on the other hand has 266 cases, followed by Iloilo City with 126 dengue cases, Aklan with 92 cases and with 1 death.

Meanwhile, Guimaras has 16 dengue cases and Antique has 13 cases.

The health department advises the public to take precautionary measures to avoid dengue.

The Department of Health has said that the most effective way to fight dengue is to implement the 4 S -- Search and destroy the breeding grounds of mosquitoes, Self-protection measures, Seek early medical consultation, and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.

The DOH will spearhead a 5-kilometer run on June 20 to increase the public’s awareness on dengue.
- Joyce Clavecillas, ABS-CBN Iloilo