Dengue cases in Iloilo now almost 5K with 17 deaths

Dengue cases in the province of Iloilo now stand at nearly 5,000, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

From January 1 to October 4 this year, PHO logged a total of 4,908 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever, including 17 deaths.

The number is 53 percent lower compared to last year’s 10,339 cases with 30 fatalities.

Oton posted the highest cases in the province this year at 368, followed by Janiuay with 282 cases, San Joaquin (258), Dumangas (243), and Leon (221).

Of the fatalities this year, three were from Balasan and two each from Pototan and Carles.

The other fatalities were from Oton, Dumangas, Lambunao, Tigbauan, Concepcion, Passi City, Sara, Estancia, Dueñas, and San Rafael.

PHO noted that most of the cases aged one to nine.

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dengue symptoms include sudden onset of fever for two to seven days and at least two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes.IMT