Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. is free of dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease.
Defensor was brought to a hospital in Iloilo City last Friday, Aug. 16, after feeling ill. He was supposed to attend an event in Concepcion town that day.
The governor underwent tests and he was found negative for dengue.
But it was discovered that the governor has a history of dengue.
“I tested positive for a supposed previous dengue exposure. I was admitted for monitoring and rehydration, just to be sure, because I was not feeling well,” Defensor said in a statement.
“It appears that I dont have the dengue now. We are waiting for the X-Ray result just to rule out pulmonary complications. In the meantime I will continue to rest and recover.”
The entire province of Iloilo is currently under a state of calamity due to the rising number of dengue cases.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 3, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded 14, 017 cases of dengue, including 51 deaths.
Pototan posted the highest number of dengue cases in the province with 1,264, including 10 deaths. It was followed by Passi City, 651 cases (1 death); Cabatuan, 598 (5 deaths); Dingle, 592 (1 death); Sta. Barbara, 583 (1 death); Maasin 545 (3 deaths); Lambunao 550 (4 deaths); Dumangas 482; Leon, 469; and Calinog, 466.
On Aug. 6, the Department of Health (DOH) declared a national dengue epidemic as dengue.
Aedes aegypti is the principal carrier of the dengue virus. This species of mosquito, which is also called tiger mosquito, can be identified by the white bands on its legs and a silver-white pattern of scales on its body. Its peak biting time is after sunrise and at dusk one hour before sunset.IMT
