Iloilo province in the Philippines is facing a dengue outbreak, prompting health officials to recommend declaring a state of calamity[1]. The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has reported 3,797 dengue cases thus far in 2024, marking a 236% increase compared to the same period last year[1].
Dengue Outbreak Statistics
The rise in dengue cases resulted in 15 fatalities across the province[1]. The most affected age group is children between 6 and 10 years old, accounting for 25% of the total cases[1]. Following closely are individuals aged 11 to 15 years, representing 20% of the cases[1].
Most Affected Areas
Several municipalities in Iloilo have been hit particularly hard by the dengue outbreak:
Pototan: 392 cases
Cabatuan: 298 cases
Calinog: 285 cases
Lambunao: 284 cases
Passi City: 258 cases
These areas have seen a significant concentration of dengue cases, highlighting the need for targeted interventions[1].
Response and Recommendations
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has convened to address the crisis. Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado, the head of PHO, has recommended declaring a state of calamity to mobilize additional resources and implement more aggressive measures to combat the outbreak[1].
Key recommendations include:
Intensifying vector control measures
Enhancing community awareness and participation
Strengthening health system capacity
The declaration of a state of calamity would allow for the quick release of calamity funds, enabling local government units to respond more effectively to the dengue situation[1].
Ongoing Efforts
Health authorities are actively conducting misting operations and distributing mosquito nets to affected communities[1]. Additionally, they are emphasizing the importance of the "4S" strategy:
Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
Self-protection measures
Seek early consultation
Support fogging/spraying
As the situation continues to evolve, local officials and health workers are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and protect the residents of Iloilo province from this mosquito-borne disease[1].
Citations:
[1] https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/08/17/2378479/dengue-state-calamity-recommended-iloilo