InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
ILOILO CITY - Dengue cases in Iloilo City increased four times compared to the same period last year, according to the Iloilo City Health Office (ICHO).
Dengue hemorrhagic fever is caused by an Aedes Aegypti mosquito. As of March this year, ICHO has recorded 248 dengue cases with five deaths while only 55 cases were recorded last year.
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said cases are considered "alarming" even as he asked the cooperation of all the 180 village chiefs to observe the 4 o’clock habit to help eliminate mosquito breeding areas.
Mabilog, however, discouraged residents from burning their collected garbage like leaves and other plastic materials.
Most of the recorded cases in Iloilo City are from Sto Rosario Duran and Tanza Esperanza, all in city proper, Sambag and Bito-on, all in Jaro district, and Bakhaw in Mandurriao district.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH-6) advised the public to clean their surroundings and properly dispose tin cans, empty bottles, used tires and other containers that are potential breeding areas of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Newly-appointed DOH-6 regional director Susana Madarieta said the department is promoting the four S which stands for search and destroy mosquito breeding places, seek early consultation, say no to fogging and self protection.