By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The number of dengue fatalities in Western Visayas has climbed to four after three new deaths were recorded, the Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH-6) said.

According to DOH-6 Center for Health Development, from January 1 to 28, the latest dengue fatalities were from Bacolod City, Iloilo City and Capiz with one death each.

Earlier, Negros Occidental recorded the first dengue fatality in the region for 2023.

DOH-6’s Morbidity Week No. 4, from January 22 to 28, also shows there are 69 new dengue cases logged.

Dengue cases in Western Visayas are now at 453, a 175 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when the region recorded 165 cases only.

Negros Occidental still reports the highest number of dengue cases with 124, followed by Iloilo with 90, and Capiz with 43.

Dengue is spread by the aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It causes a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal.

According to the World Health Organization, patients should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea/vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.

For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./DGB, WDJ