The number of dengue fever cases in the Western Visayas province of Aklan is up more than 130 percent this year to date compared to the same period in 2015.
From January through July 12, Aklan provincial health officials have recorded 525 dengue cases. Aklan Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance and Response Unit (APESRU) says the same period in 2015 only saw 228 cases.
About one third of all cases were reported in people ages 11 to 20 years.
The capital city of Kalibo saw the most cases followed by Malay, Banga and Ibajay.
Aklan Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, Jr. reminds the public to keep their surroundings clean and to remove standing water. In addition, he reminds parents to seek medical attention for their children if they demonstrate symptoms of dengue.
Dengue is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). There are 4 serotypes called DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Infection with one serotype produces lifelong immunity against that serotype reinfection. Successive infection with two different serotypes is a risk factor for developing the severe forms of the disease.
The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are transmitters of dengue.
The Philippines has seen a 40 percent increase in dengue fever thus far in 2016.