W. Visayas dengue cases surpass 18,000, 42 dead

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The number of dengue cases in Western Visayas has surpassed 18,000 this year, according to the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health and Development (DOH WV CHD).

Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, Medical Coordinator for the Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Cluster of DOH WV CHD, reported on Wednesday, September 4, that the region recorded 2,368 new dengue cases during the 34th Morbidity Week.

This marks a 229 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 5,491 cases.

The data presented brings the total number of dengue cases to 18,056, with 42 recorded fatalities from January 1 to August 24, 2024. Additionally, 11 more deaths were reported in the latest update.

Iloilo Province remains the hardest hit, with 7,020 cases and 20 deaths, followed by Negros Occidental with 2,864 cases and 8 deaths.

Other areas affected include:

• Aklan: 1,919 cases, 2 deaths
• Capiz: 1,828 cases, 5 deaths
• Guimaras: 1,446 cases, 1 death
• Antique: 1,012 cases, 1 death
• Iloilo City: 1,118 cases, 4 deaths
• Bacolod City: 849 cases, 1 death

“Most of the affected individuals are between 11 to 20 years old, accounting for 34.4 percent, with 6,203 cases,” Dr. Natalaray said.

Clustering of cases has been observed in 959 barangays across the region. Iloilo Province recorded the highest number of affected barangays at 415, followed by Negros Occidental with 233 barangays, and Capiz with 106.

Other areas with significant clustering include:

• Aklan: 85 barangays
• Iloilo City: 88 barangays
• Guimaras: 66 barangays
• Antique: 30 barangays
• Bacolod City: 27 barangays

In response to the surge, DOH WV CHD has implemented several measures, including ongoing case and serotype surveillance, dengue outbreak response monitoring, and coordination with provincial and city health offices.

The agency has also conducted orientations on dengue clinical case management and pesticide application, reviewed dengue-related deaths, and distributed 5,590 NS1 kits and 3,581 insecticide-treated rolls to aid in mosquito control efforts.

Despite the escalating cases, the DOH last week said health facilities utilization rate at 72 percent Top of Formremains manageable despite the continuous rise in dengue cases in the region.

Specifically, the current bed utilization rate stands at 73.31 percent, while the use of mechanical ventilators is at 44.56 percent.

In terms of blood products, the region has sufficient supplies in its blood banks, the DOH added.

As of August 26, blood banks in Western Visayas hold 582 units of whole blood, 1,001 units of packed red blood cells, and 101 units of platelet concentrate.