ILOILO – This province has recorded 11,404 dengue cases with 32 deaths from January to November of this year, a 558 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which saw only 1,734 cases and two deaths.
Dengue, a viral disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), remains a pressing health concern in the province. Areas with the highest number of cases are as follows:
* Oton – 684 cases
* Passi City – 683 cases, 2 deaths
* Leon – 531 cases
* Calinog – 493 cases, 1 death
* Janiuay – 482 cases
* Dingle – 464 cases, 1 death
* Lambunao – 458 cases, 1 death
* Barotac Nuevo – 389 cases, 4 deaths
* Dumangas – 378 cases
* Santa Barbara – 369 cases, 1 death
The rest of the municipalities reported varying case counts, with several also recording fatalities. Among the highest were Miag-ao with 328 cases and two deaths, and Badiangan and Igbaras, each with three deaths.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), emphasized the importance of continued vigilance against dengue despite the approaching end of the year. She urged residents to adhere to the Department of Health’s 4S strategy:
* Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites.
* Secure self-protection by wearing long sleeves or using insect repellent.
* Seek early consultation when symptoms appear.
* Support fogging or spraying only in hotspot areas experiencing case surges.
“Dengue is a year-round concern, and maintaining clean surroundings is critical,” said Dr. Quiñon. She reiterated the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites inside and outside homes.
Dengue symptoms typically appear four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, skin rashes, and mild bleeding, such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding. Severe cases can escalate to dengue hemorrhagic fever, characterized by severe bleeding, a drop in blood pressure, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Here are the other towns that reported varying case counts: Tigbauan (369), Miag-ao (328 with two deaths), Pavia (327 with one death), Cabatuan (314), San Dionisio (281 with one death), Barotac Viejo (267), Badiangan (265 with three deaths), Sara (255 with two deaths), Pototan (252), Banate (244 with two deaths), Alimodian (231), Lemery (231 with one death), Igbaras (226 with three deaths), Dueñas (220), San Joaquin (195), Ajuy (186), Batad (186), Guimbal (180 with two deaths), San Miguel (179), Estancia (166 with one deaths), Maasin (164), Anilao (158), San Enrique (157), Balasan (142 with one death), Concepcion (133 with two deaths), Leganes (133), Zarraga (132), Bingawan (130), Mina (125), Tubungan (100 with one death), Carles (94), New Lucena (63), and San Rafael (48)./PN