Dengue outbreak declared in Guimaras, Capiz

MANILA, Philippines — The provincial governments of Guimaras and Capiz declared a dengue outbreak on Friday, citing an increase in the number of cases.

The declaration of an outbreak will allow the use of funds for the immediate purchase of the needed medicine to prevent the spread of the disease.

Guimaras Gov. Samuel Gumarin declared the outbreak under Executive Order 36. He said there was an increase of 1,046 percent in the number of dengue cases in the province.

At least 493 cases with two deaths were recorded in Guimaras from January to July 6.

In Capiz, Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras issued EO 1 directing provincial and district hospitals to provide free medical services to dengue patients.

Contreras said local government units should institute preventive mechanisms to avert the spread of the disease. He said LGUs should also conduct “Kontra Dengue Day.”

He ordered the creation of task forces to intensify the implementation of Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue program, enhanced 4S strategy and the 4 o’clock habit.

Capiz recorded 2,177 dengue cases with 14 deaths from Jan. 1 to June 29.

On Friday last week, a dengue outbreak was declared in Iloilo under EO 106 issued by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.

Defensor also ordered a massive cleanup drive for four consecutive Saturdays starting July 6. 

Ex-mayor’s child

In Iloilo, the only child of former Iloilo City mayor Jose de Paula, 10-year-old Justine Joy or JJ died of dengue on Friday.

JJ died at the Iloilo Mission Hospital, 16 days after she was diagnosed with dengue fever.

The death toll due to dengue in Iloilo is now 21, including two students, aged 9 and 10, who died on July 7.

Only three deaths were recorded in the province during the same period last year.

A dengue outbreak had been earlier declared in Maasin, where 170 cases were recorded.

The number of dengue patients in government-run hospitals in Iloilo was recorded at 851 as of Friday morning.

The provincial health office said there were 5,435 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to July 6. The number is 901 percent higher compared to the 543 cases reported during the same period last year.

The town of Pototan has the most number of cases at 489.