Iloilo City dengue cases on a downturn, new virus alert

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The City Health Office (CHO) reported that dengue cases in Iloilo City continued its weekly decline since August, but warns the public of a new mosquito-borne virus.

Dr. Mae Delmo, CHO Assistant Department Head, said from August to September there were only some 30 cases reported weekly, compared in the months of June to July when they received more than 100 cases.

Delmo attributed the downtrend to the cooperation shown by village residents to their local officials especially in the advocacy and implementation of anti-dengue campaign.

In September dengue cases reached 118, compared to 71 registered during the same month in 2011, but still lower than the over 800 cases in 2010. 14 deaths in more than 2,000 cases were reported to the CHO from January to September.

However, the CHO issued a warning to the public to be alert against the Chikungunya or Japanese encephalitis, also a disease carried by mosquitoes. The warning was issued after an outbreak in Surigao del Sur was reported.

The disease has symptoms much like dengue but more fatal as it affects the brain.

“I have already directed the CHO to make the necessary monitoring if there are cases here and to spread the advocacy against this mosquito-borne disease,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

Delmo said Chikungunya symptoms include high fever, rashes and other indications same with dengue, but the former has arthritis component, where the patient will experience joint pains and joint swelling.

The symptoms of Chikungunya will emerge four to seven days after the patient has been bitten by the infected mosquito. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the name Chikungunya refers to the "stooped" appearance of those suffering with joint pain.

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