A doctor from the Iloilo City Health Office blamed the lack of community involvement in the surge of dengue cases in Western Visayas.

Dr. Mae Delmo, of the Iloilo City Health Office, during a press briefing yesterday said the campaign against dengue should focus on three elements - the virus, the mosquito and the people.

"Behavior change is needed to stop dengue," she added.

Delmo reminded village officials to lead the community in maintaining the cleanliness of their environment.

She also added though that the city government is offering free CBC or platelet test in different district health centers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dr. Joji Jimenez, dengue regional medical coordinator also stressed that community participation and involvement could help stop dengue.

To note, there is a slight increase in the number of dengue cases in the region based on the records of the Department of Health 6.

From January to June 2 this year, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the DOH-6 recorded 1,626 cases with 28 deaths, a bit higher compared to the 1,125 cases and 15 deaths for the same period last year.

Meanwhile, of the reported cases, Iloilo City ranks the highest with 546 and seven deaths.

Based on the records of Iloilo City Health Office, this number is already higher compared to the total number of 425 cases in 2011.

Next is the province of Iloilo with 377 recorded dengue cases and nine deaths.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental also recorded 215 cases with two deaths; Aklan, 158 with five deaths; Guimaras, 109 with two deaths; Capiz, 70 with two deaths and Antique, 60 with zero deaths.

Jimenez reminded the public to be aware of the symptoms of the disease and to always seek treatment immediately.

Jimenez also noted that OL traps provided by the Department of Science and Technology were distributed in some areas in the region to kill the mosquito in its breeding grounds.

DOH also intensified its surveillance and information campaign against dengue in different cities and municipalities in the region.*