Dengue-related deaths have risen to 20 in the province of Iloilo, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

The figure was recorded from January 1 to November 19 this year.

The town of Guimbal accounted for the most number of deaths in the province at four. It was followed by Alimodian, Miagao, Leganes, and Passi City with two deaths each.

Barotac Viejo, Barotac Nuevo, San Dionisio, San Enrique, Santa Barbara, Dingle, Igbaras logged one death each.

Last year, the province had only one death caused by the mosquito-borne disease.

All in all, PHO registered 2,816 cases of dengue this year, way higher than 446 cases in 2021.

Dengue, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), “is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and, sometimes causing a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue.” Its symptoms include fever, severe pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.

Aedes aegypti is the principal carrier of the dengue virus. This species of mosquito, which is also called tiger mosquito, can be identified by the white bands on its legs and a silver-white pattern of scales on its body. Its peak biting time is after sunrise and at dusk one hour before sunset.IMT