ILOILO CITY – Dengue cases in Western Visayas neared the 3,000 mark, with 210 new cases reported between May 5 and May 11, the Department of Health Regional Office 6 (DoH-6) said.

The DoH-6 reported the region has logged 2,837 dengue cases since January 1, 18 percent higher than the 2,411 cases recorded in the same period last 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.

There have been six dengue-related deaths in the region: one in Aklan, three in Iloilo province and two in Negros Occidental. The latest fatality was a 61-year-old woman from Negros Occidental.

Iloilo province reported the highest number of new cases with 63, bringing its total to 880. Bacolod City followed with 34 new cases, reaching a total of 123, while Negros Occidental reported 24 new cases, totaling 398.

The Health Department also monitored an increased attack rate of dengue in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Guimaras compared to the previous year.

Twenty-two villages in the region have been identified as dengue clusters, indicating localized outbreaks that need immediate intervention.

The DoH-6 has previously warned the public about the risk of vector-borne diseases like dengue during the ongoing El Niño phenomenon and dry season. The increased temperature accelerates mosquito breeding and development cycles, and expands the areas where these vectors can survive.

The DoH-6 urges the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures through the enhanced 4S strategy: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; self-protection; seek early consultation; and support indoor and outdoor fogging or spraying.

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