ILOILO CITY—Hospitals across Western Visayas are operating at a 70- to 72 percent utilization rate as dengue cases continue to rise in the region, according to the Department of Health (DOH) Western Visayas Center for Health Development.
In a virtual press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray—program medical coordinator for the Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Cluster of DOH Western Visayas—said the agency anticipated the surge in hospital admissions due to the ongoing increase in dengue cases.
In response, the DOH issued additional instructions to hospitals on managing surge capacity.
Natalaray emphasized that not all dengue patients require hospitalization, noting that only those with severe symptoms should be admitted to ensure they receive appropriate care.
“As long as we consult early and our patients are classified as without warning signs, they can be managed as outpatient cases. It is important that they are assessed by the doctor and monitored daily,” she stressed.
Data from the DOH revealed that 51 deaths have been recorded this year out of 20,814 reported dengue cases from January 1 to August 31. This represents a 264 percent increase compared to the 5,711 cases and 25 deaths recorded during the same period in 2023.
Iloilo Province remains the hardest hit, with 8,039 cases and 23 deaths, followed by Negros Occidental with 3,296 cases and 10 deaths. Currently, 998 barangays in Western Visayas have recorded clusters of cases, including 21 identified as hotspot barangays.
The DOH reiterated its call for public cooperation with local government units in implementing the 4S Strategy—Search and Destroy, Self-protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, and Support Fogging Activities, especially in hotspot areas.
In addition to monitoring dengue, the DOH Western Visayas is also closely watching the Mpox situation Mpox, employing strategies and measures through town hall meetings with target groups, information dissemination via social media, and a massive public awareness drive.
