Dengue kills 8 children
VILLAGE officials in Jaro district conduct a cleanup drive in this undated photo. The Iloilo City Health Office has urged residents to step up community cleanup efforts amid a rise in dengue cases.
Philippine News Agency
ILOILO CITY — Eight children aged one to 10 have died from dengue in Iloilo City from 4 January to 31 October as infections increased by 37.7 percent compared with the same period last year.
City Health Office (CHO) head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said the fatalities came from different barangays across the city.
The CHO recorded a total of 785 dengue cases during the monitoring period, reflecting a significant increase from last year’s figures.
Diaz said 28 barangays have reported clusters of dengue cases, defined as at least three infections recorded in one barangay within four consecutive weeks.
Four other barangays have been classified as dengue hotspots because of reported deaths linked to the disease.
In response, the CHO is intensifying its campaign under the 4S strategy against dengue, with particular emphasis on searching for and destroying mosquito breeding sites and encouraging residents to seek early medical consultation.
The 4S strategy also includes self-protection measures and discouraging indiscriminate fogging, which health authorities recommend only when necessary and appropriate.
Health officials continue to urge residents to eliminate stagnant water, regularly inspect their surroundings and immediately seek medical attention when dengue symptoms develop.