‘Boracay dengue cases may rise’

 Residents were warned of the possible increase of dengue cases in this island resort.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) said the increase is likely due to the ongoing rehabilitation works in Boracay.

Rains brought about by the southwest monsoon have recently hit Western Visayas, including the famed beach destination which is now halfway into its six-month closure.

PHO head Dr. Cornelio Cuachon said rainwater might become stagnant in some areas in the island, which can turn into mosquito breeding grounds.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and sometimes a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue, according to the World Health Oerganization (WHO).

It is common in tropical countries like the Philippines.

The PHO has recorded a total of 39 cases of dengue in Malay, Aklan so far this year.

“We are focusing our concern in Barangay Manoc-manoc where six cases have been monitored in a span of a month,” said Cuachon.

He added that under the Health department guidelines, “we must be on alert if we monitor increasing cases of dengue in a barangay in one month.”

The PHO has yet to release data on the number of dengue cases in two other Boracay villages – Balabag and Yapak.

Aside from dengue, the PHO also warned Aklanon of leptospirosis.

“In June, a construction worker in Boracay died due to leptospirosis,” Cuachon said.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals, WHO said.

Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.

The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes./