ILOILO CITY: The Department of Health Western Visayas Center (DoH-6) has reported a five percent increase in dengue cases in the region from January to March this year.
From March 17 to 23, the region has recorded 229 new dengue cases, bringing the year's total to 1,830, compared to the 1,742 cases in the first quarter of 2023.
The province of Iloilo recorded the highest number of dengue cases with 559 cases, followed by Aklan with 306 cases and Capiz with 260 cases.
Negros Occidental logged 250 cases, Antique had 171 cases, and the island province of Guimaras had 79 cases.
The two highly urbanized cities of the region, Iloilo City and Bacolod City, recorded 160 and 45 cases, respectively.
DoH-6 also noted an increased attack rate of dengue in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Iloilo City compared to the same period last year.
The Health department also monitored clustering of dengue cases in 26 barangay in the region.
Three dengue fatalities have been recorded in the region since the start of the year.
The age group with the highest number of cases ranges from 1 to 10 years old, accounting for 41 percent of the total cases.
Pertussis under control
Meanwhile, the city government has declared it is on top of the situation following the declaration of pertussis outbreak and placing the metro under state of calamity.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the City Health Office (CHO) and concerned city hall departments have taken proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease that mostly affects infants and young children.
The CHO said there are nine confirmed cases of pertussis in the city.
"Placing the city under the state of calamity paved the way for us to strengthen our outbreak response. But I would like to reiterate that we don't impose lockdown," Treñas said.
The mayor said City Hall has been receiving information about an alleged lockdown in Iloilo City due to pertussis, causing worry and averting others from pursuing their visit to the city.
"It is crucial to stay informed with accurate information about pertussis. Knowing the correct information will enable you to take proper preventive measures and avoid undue worries. Stay updated through official announcements from the Iloilo City Health Office and trusted health authorities," the CHO advisory read.
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