ILOILO — Dengue infections continue to spread. Provincial health authorities recorded 117 new cases in just one week, prompting renewed calls for residents to intensify the search and destruction of mosquito breeding sites amid the rainy season.
Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed that from July 4 to July 11, the province recorded 117 additional dengue cases, bringing the total number of infections from Jan. 4 to July 11, 2026 to 1,069 cases with six deaths.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, and, in severe cases, bleeding.
There is no specific cure, and severe infections can be fatal without prompt medical treatment.
Despite the increase, the figure remains 64 percent lower than the 2,932 cases and 14 deaths recorded during the same period last year.
The latest cases came from 33 municipalities and Passi City, with the highest weekly tallies recorded in Estancia (12), Calinog (11), Lambunao (eight), Santa Barbara (eight), Cabatuan (six), Batad (six), San Dionisio (six), and Banate (six).
Areas with the highest cumulative dengue cases this year are Calinog (107), Cabatuan (99), Passi City (53), Estancia (52 with two deaths), Ajuy (48 with one death), Lambunao (48), Dumangas (41), Maasin (35), Janiuay (34), and Oton (34).
According to IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, the recent rains have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, contributing to the spike in infections.
“Every rainy season brings much needed water to our communities but it is also creates the perfect environment for one of the country’s most persistent public health threats – dengue. While heavy rains are inevitable, dengue is not. As of July 11, 2026, Iloilo province has recorded 1,069 dengue cases with 117 new cases reported just this week. All 43 LGUs have cases,” Quiñon said.
The IPHO also reported dengue case clustering in 14 municipalities, including Ajuy, Alimodian, Balasan, Banate, Batad, Calinog, Concepcion, Estancia, Lambunao, Passi City, San Dionisio, Santa Barbara, Sara, and Tigbauan.
A clustering refers to three or more dengue cases recorded within four consecutive weeks in a community and serves as an early warning that local transmission remains active.
Health officials stressed that dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant clean water found in uncovered containers, discarded tires, flower pots, clogged canals, and other household items left outdoors.
“Dengue mosquitoes that appear overnight they breed in stagnant clean water found in uncovered containers, discarded tires, flower pots, clogged canals, and even small household items left outdoors. Preventing dengue begins by eliminating these breeding sites before mosquitoes multiply,” the IPHO said.
Quiñon urged residents to regularly inspect and eliminate stagnant water, keep surroundings clean, use mosquito protection, and seek immediate medical consultation if dengue symptoms develop.
“As climate change brings heavier rains and more unpredictable weather, the risk of mosquito borne diseases continue to grow. Every dengue case prevented is a child protected. Every breeding site eliminated is a life potentially saved. This rainy season, let us break the cycle of preventable diseases because dengue prevention is not only the responsibility of our health authorities, it is a shared responsibility of every Ilonggo,” she said./PN
