DENGUE cases recorded in Iloilo City soared 495 percent in the first two months of the year compared to the same period last year.
The City Health Office posted 250 dengue cases, with three deaths, from January to February this year, compared to 42 dengue cases with no death in the same period last year.
There were 165 cases with one death in January and 85 cases with two deaths in February.
“Normally, dengue has a cycle wherein every three years, dengue cases increase. The last time we have had many dengue cases was in 2016. In 2017, it decreased because a patient has six months immunity. In 2018, it went up until it reached its third cycle which is now in 2019,” City Health Officer Dr. Bernard Caspe said.
“If you have noticed, even if it is not rainy season now, there are a lot of dengue cases because the problem happens anytime of the year. During El Niño, people stock water and mosquitoes are breeding on clean water,” Caspe added.
Caspe also encouraged barangay officials and residents to practice the clean-up every Saturday and the 4s, which stands for search and destroy possible mosquito breeding areas; self-protection by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pairs of pants, and apply mosquito repellents; seek early medical help when experiencing fever, pain behind the eyes, and joint pains; and say no to indiscriminate fogging. (PR)