Downtrend in WV dengue cases noted
The number of dengue cases in Western Visayas is still above the “epidemic threshold” but the Department of Health-Center for Health Development 6 saw a downtrend in dengue incidents lately.
If this trend continues, Western Visayas might soon return below the epidemic threshold, Dr. Fabian Mabasa, DOH 6 dengue regional coordinator, said.
DOH 6 has recorded 16,072 dengue cases all over the region, higher by 337 percent compared to the same period last year.
Most of the cases were from the provinces of Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental and the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod.
In Iloilo City, Brgy. North San Jose in Molo district has the most number of cases with 31 but by district, Jaro still has the most dengue cases.
Comparatively, there were 59 fatalities in 2009 for the same period while this year, 86.
Still, Mabasa said it is considered a lower case fatality because the denominator is the number of dengue cases.
Most of those affected are aged 1 to 19 years old.
Prevention
For the DOH, the best way to contain dengue is still prevention.
Throughout the year, Mabasa said there are dengue cases but records consistently show that during the rainy season, the cases increase by threefold or fourfold.
Amid the epidemic, Mabasa said there is still “light at the end of the tunnel.”
“People are now aware that dengue is deadly so they have to prevent and control dengue. But I have to emphasize that we should use our eyes and hands. We should look for breeding areas – natural, man-made – and eliminate these if not of use. If we would re-use water container, we must brush it once a week and cover it,” he said.
This way, Mabasa said mosquito density will decrease, resulting to lesser dengue transmission.*
