Dengue cases in Aklan up by 49 percent

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The number of dengue cases inflicted by mosquito-borne disease continued to increase in Aklan this year.

Citing January 1 to July 22 report of Provincial Health Office (PHO)-Aklan, dengue cases climbed by 48.77 percent to 604 this year from 406 dengue cases registered for the same period last year. 

PHO-Aklan listed the capital town of Kalibo with the highest number of dengue cases in the province with 132 followed by Malay with 78 and Banga with 60.

There had been 42 dengue cases in Numancia, New Washington with 35, Altavas with 30, Tangalan and Madalag with 27 cases each.

The towns of Nabas and Libacao reported 24 dengue cases each, Balete and Makato with 19 cases each, Ibajay with 17, Malinao with 15, Batan with 14, Lezo with 10 and Buruanga with 8. 

About 37 percent or 224 of the dengue cases in Aklan were aged 11 to 20 years old followed by 141 cases between 21 to 30 years old. Children aged one to 10 years old posted 119 cases, the PHO-Aklan said. 

The month with the highest number of dengue cases was in July with 152 while the months of April and March had the lowest with 28 cases each.

The month of January had 102, February with 71 and May with 55 dengue cases. The records also showed more than half of dengue cases were male with 325.

Meanwhile, PHO-Aklan reported suspected measles cases in Aklan of 80 compared to 18 or an increase of 344.44 percent from January 1 to July 22 period. 

The town of Malay topped the list with 17 followed by Kalibo with 16. 

The data also showed typhoid fever cases rose to 353, up by 99.44 percent compared to 177 of the same period last year.