Iloilo City declares dengue outbreak

ILOILO CITY - A dengue outbreak was declared here Monday following the rapidly-increasing number of cases of the mosquito-borne disease, officials said.

The city health department recorded a 416.7 percent increase in dengue cases from the previous year, according to the executive order signed by Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The declaration will enable the city to take necessary steps in acquiring medicines in case supplies will not be enough for the expected surge in dengue patients.

Prior to the declaration, the city held its first massive clean-up campaign on Saturday to encourage residents to clean the homes and destroy mosquito-breeding places in their surroundings.

Last week, the Department of Health declared a national dengue alert which prompts public hospitals, health centers, and local government units to be prepared with medicine, equipment and personnel to respond to dengue cases.

• Health department raises national dengue alert

Several provinces, including Zamboanga Sibugay, South Cotabato, and Leyte, have been placed under the state of calamity due to dengue.

--Report from Bea Zaragosa, ABS-CBN News