DAGUPAN CITY: The Department of Health (DOH) has assured that hospitals in the Ilocos Region are prepared to manage dengue cases following a 14.9% increase in reported cases as of August 17, 2024.
According to Philippines News Agency, hospitals have received a memorandum to reestablish dedicated dengue fast lanes and rooms for patients. The region has recorded 4,255 cases of dengue this year, up from 3,702 cases in the same period in 2023.
Pangasinan has recorded the highest number of dengue cases at 2,186, followed by La Union with 970, Ilocos Sur with 791, and Ilocos Norte with 308. So far, there have been 17 deaths attributed to dengue, down from 20 in the same period last year, with most of the fatalities in Pangasinan.
Bobis noted that anti-vector-borne disease supplies, such as sprayers, misting machines, and insecticides, have been distributed to local health offices to help combat the rising cases. The DOH continues to promote the 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, seek early consultation, use self-protection measures, and support spraying in areas with clustered cases.
Meanwhile, leptospirosis cases in the Ilocos Region have decreased by 47.7%, with 90 cases reported as of August 17, compared to 172 cases in the same period last year. There have been 11 deaths due to leptospirosis this year, compared to 31 in the same period in 2023.