The mosquito that carries the dengue hemorrhagic virus is now a year-round threat, thus the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) advised the public to be vigilant within 365 days as well as refrain from self-medication whenever fever occurs because dengue cases continue to rise at an alarming level – 114 cases from January 1 to February 9 in the city this year.

CHO head Dr. Ulminico Baronda said the latest two deaths in Brgy.  Mansaya, Lapuz were recorded after February 9. 

He said the village’s chief has already asked the City Government for assistance.

Yesterday, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog sent a medical team to check those children suspected to have dengue while another team conducted larvicide spraying in suspected mosquito-breeding areas.

ALARMING

“We consider these cases as alarming, thus we advise parents to immediately bring their children to the nearest doctor or hospital if the fever does not subside in two days. Don’t self-medicate. If the fever subsides and rashes are coming out, it’s already stage three,” he warned.

Baronda also urged the observance of the four S; (1) search and destroy possible breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, (2) seek medical consultation, (3) self-protection by refraining from wearing black clothes (dark colors attract mosquitoes), use long sleeves, and (4) saying ‘no’ to indiscriminate fogging.

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water that is accumulated in used tires, empty cans, cups and bottles, and in gutters.

PROVINCIAL CASES

Meanwhile, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) has recorded 160 dengue cases with one death from January to February 2 this year.

The record is 281 percent higher compared to the same period last year with only 42 cases and two deaths.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. said Ilonggos should not lower their guard because dengue is already a year-round disease.*