The Department of Health (DOH) Western Visayas has activated its Regional Dengue Task Force in response to the alarming rise in dengue cases across the region.
Dr. Bea Natalaray, Medical Officer IV and head of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREID) unit at DOH Western Visayas, said that various government agencies are now working together to address the outbreak.
The task force’s efforts include bolstering surveillance, supply, communications management, and health facility development units.
It comprises 12 government offices, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), among others.
According to the 31st Morbidity Week report by the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU), Iloilo province recorded the highest number of dengue cases at 3,914. This is followed by Negros Occidental with 1,584 cases, Aklan with 1,319, Capiz with 1,083, Guimaras with 809, Antique with 637, Iloilo City with 482, and Bacolod City with 360 cases.
A total of 20 deaths have been recorded across the region, with a case fatality rate of 0.2%. The fatalities include six in Iloilo and Negros Occidental, three in Capiz, and one each in Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City.
Overall, the region has recorded 10,188 dengue cases this year, a 114-percent increase compared to the 4,760 cases in 2023.
In response to the spike in cases, the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has issued a “blue alert” status. Under this status, health authorities in the province will conduct intensive monitoring, warning, bio-surveillance, and readiness to respond, including measures to curb the spread of dengue.
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMO) have likewise been directed to submit reports to the PDRRMC. The Iloilo Provincial Health Office is also preparing a report to declare a province-wide outbreak potentially.
In response to the situation, DOH Western Visayas has issued new guidelines related to hospital admissions for dengue patients to prevent overcrowding in tertiary and district hospitals.
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