ILOILO – This province has already surpassed both the alert and epidemic thresholds for dengue, signalling the need for urgent intervention, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Alert threshold refers to the level of occurrence of a disease that serves as an early warning for epidemics.
On the other hand, epidemic threshold refers to the level of occurrence of a disease above which an urgent response is required.
From January 1 to February 15 this year, the province has recorded 592 dengue cases with five deaths — an increase of 77% compared to the same period in 2024, which had only 335 cases and one death, IPHO data showed.
“The data supports our concern that dengue cases will continue to rise this year. We have already surpassed the alert and epidemic thresholds, which means we are well above the levels of last year,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
This year marks the third-year cycle of dengue outbreaks in the region, which typically leads to a surge in cases.
The municipalities with the highest number of cases so far are Leon (33), Oton (32, with one death), San Joaquin (32), Dumangas (31), Cabatuan (28), Lambunao (24), San Dionisio (23), Banate (20), Janiuay (19), and Tigbauan (19, with one death).
IPHO is urging residents to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms of dengue, following a rise in the number of deaths caused by the mosquito-borne illness.
Symptoms of dengue include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which may cause bleeding, blood plasma leakage, and organ failure, potentially resulting in death.
Dengue patients can avail themselves of free consultations and treatment in all district and government hospitals in the province, said Dr. Quiñon.
The death toll from dengue has climbed to five as of mid-February. The latest fatality is a two-year-old girl from Tigbauan town. Other fatalities include:
* 67-year-old woman from Pototan, who died on January 5
* six-year-old boy from Pototan, who passed away on January 15
* 71-year-old man from Carles, who died on January 22
* 11-month-old boy from Oton, who died on January 29
Dr. Quiñon addressed concerns that residents might be avoiding hospitals due to fears of high medical costs.
“We want to reassure everyone that there are no charges for dengue patients at district hospitals. The provincial government, through an executive order from Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., has ensured that there will be no fees for treatment and consultation related to dengue,” she clarified.
In addition, dengue consultations are covered under the PhilHealth package, with dengue patients receiving up to P19,500 for treatment, and severe cases being covered up to P47,000, Dr. Quiñon added.
She also noted that free dengue test kits are available at district hospitals and Rural Health Units (RHUs) for those exhibiting symptoms of the disease.
The IPHO is intensifying its campaign to implement the 4S strategy against dengue:
* search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
* secure self-protection by wearing long sleeves or using insect repellent
* seek early consultation when symptoms appear, and
* support fogging or spraying efforts in areas with increased cases
“Let’s not wait for the situation to worsen. We need to act now to prevent more people from falling victim to this deadly disease,” Dr. Quiñon urged.
Thirty-three other areas reported dengue cases: Barotac Viejo (18), Estancia (17), Calinog (16), Sara (16), Ajuy (15), Passi City (15), Batad (14), Carles (14 cases with one death), Guimbal (14), Maasin (14), Pototan (13 cases with two deaths), Santa Barbara (13), Barotac Nuevo (12), Pavia (12), San Miguel (12), Concepcion (11), Miag-ao (11), Badiangan (10), Alimodian (nine), Leganes (nine), San Rafael (eight), Balasan (seven), Lemery (seven), Mina (seven), Tubungan (five), Anilao (four), New Lucena (four), San Enrique (four), Zarraga (four), Dueñas (two), Igbaras (two), and Bingawan (one).
The breakdown of age groups most affected is as follows:
* 40 years old and above – 72 cases
* 30 to 39 years old – 29 cases
* 20 to 29 years old – 71 cases
* 10 to 19 years old – 192 cases
* 1 to 9 years old – 213 cases
* less than one year old – 15 cases
Meanwhile, barangays that reported clustering of dengue cases (three or more cases within four consecutive weeks)are the following:
* Banate – Barangay Carmelo (three)
* Barotac Nuevo – Barangay Bungca (three)
* Concepcion – Barangay Siniba-an (three)
* Dumangas – barangays Jardin (three) and Rosario (three)
* Lambunao – Barangay Pajo (four)
* Leon – Barangay Poblacion (three)
* Maasin – Barangay Naslo-Bucao (three)
* Oton – barangays Abilay Norte (three), Alegre (three), and Botong (three)
* San Dioniso – Barangay Pase (eight)
* San Joaquin – barangays Bucaya (four) and Purok 4 (three)
* Sara – Barangay Apologista (three)
* Tigbauan – Barangay Barroc (three)/PN
