Iloilo logs first dengue fatality for 2024

By Mariela Angella Oladive

A six-year-old boy from Miagao has been reported as the first dengue-related death of the year in Iloilo province, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

The IPHO revealed that the boy succumbed to refractory hypovolemic shock, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe dengue, and high-risk PCAP on February 11.

Data showed that Miagao recorded a 300% increase in dengue cases compared to the same period last year, with eight cases reported, including the fatality, from January 1 to February 17.

In response, the Municipal Health Office implemented preventive measures such as cleanup drives and the distribution of mosquito nets. Province-wide efforts are also underway as dengue cases have risen by 10% compared to last year.

IPHO Head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon identified areas with the highest incidence rates, noting that only the towns of Batad and Zarraga have no recorded cases so far.

Oton recorded the highest number of cases with 22, followed by Pavia with 16, Passi City and Dumangas with 14 each, and San Joaquin with 12. Clusters of cases have been identified in Barangay Pandac, Pavia; Barangay Trapiche, Oton; and Barangay Tolarucan, Mina, with three cases each. Other affected areas include Dueñas, San Rafael, Lemery, Mina, and several others, with cases ranging from seven to one.

Health officials are urging communities to adopt the 4S strategy to prevent dengue infection.

4S stands for “Search and destroy” mosquito-breeding sites, “Self-protection measures” (such as wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and daily use of mosquito repellent), “Seek early consultation,” and “Support fogging/spraying” only in hotspot areas where an increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

Individuals experiencing fever for two or three days are advised to seek immediate medical intervention and be tested for dengue at rural health units.