KALIBO, Aklan -- The Aklan Provincial Health Office (PHO) will start its investigation of the 20 dengue-afflicted deaths this year.

Dr. Conelio Cuachon, Provincial Health Officer 2, said the investigation developed following orders provided by the Center for Health and Development-Western Visayas.

According to the PHO, from January to August 24, dengue victims in the province reached a record high of 4,679 cases.

Last Saturday, August 31, a construction worker from Boracay was the 20th recorded fatality of dengue in the province. The victim identified as Arnold Tenorio, 34 and a resident of Barangay Mina-a Ibajay Aklan.

The youngest dengue victim was a ten-month-old infant.

"We will be conducting investigation to study why many dengue victims died in the hospital within 24 hours of confinement. Among the reasons cited why is the delay of several processes in achieving medical care. Results of the investigation will be used in the prevention of more dengue deaths in the future," said Cuachon.

Among the factors seen are the delay of the victims to decide to seek medical care, the delay to transport victims, and the delay for them to wait at the hospital.