Philippines health officials reported on the significant increase of dengue fever in the Western Visayas region of the country, particularly in the province of Iloilo.

Aedes albopictus/FotoshopTofs
Aedes albopictus/FotoshopTofs

Through the first five months of 2016, Iloilo has seen more than 1000 dengue cases, an increase of 197 percent compared to the same period in 2015. Three fatalities related to dengue have also been reported from the province.

The capital city of the province, the city of Iloilo has seen a 100 percent increase in the mosquito borne viral disease alone.

These numbers represent the region of the Western Visayas as a whole where, according to Medical Officer for the region, Dr. Rose Marie Lamirez reported more than 3600 cases, or a 153 percent increase compared to last year.

El Nino has been pointed to as a contributing factor in the surge as people who stocked up water, created breeding spots for the dengue mosquito vector.

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