ILOILO – Dengue continues to exact a deadly toll in the province, with 14 lives lost and 3,705 cases recorded from January 1 to August 2 this year, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported.
Health officials warned that despite a slight drop in total cases compared to 2024, transmission remains relentless, with fresh outbreaks emerging in multiple towns.
In the past week alone, 243 new cases were recorded, and clustering of infections was detected in 80 barangays — a 10% increase from the previous week — signalling intensified localized outbreaks.
Oton logged the highest number of new cases for Week 31 with 27, followed by Janiuay (21), Tigbauan (18), Barotac Viejo (16), and Pototan (10).
“The fight against dengue is a shared responsibility. Every stagnant water container, every neglected canal, and every uncovered water drum could become a breeding site for mosquitoes,” the IPHO stressed.
IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon urged residents to commit to the 4S Strategy — search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; self-protection measures; seek early consultation; and support fogging/spraying in hotspot barangays — to curb the spread of the virus.
“Each one of us must take action to prevent these breeding sites in our homes and communities. Let’s all commit to the 4S Strategy. This comprehensive approach is vital for effectively controlling and reducing the incidence of dengue in Iloilo,” she said.
Oton remains the most affected municipality with 279 cases and one death, followed by San Joaquin (228), Janiuay (194), Dumangas (176, one death), Leon (167), Pototan (155, two deaths), Cabatuan (143), Barotac Nuevo (135), Lambunao (133, one death), and Tigbauan (112, one death).
Dengue, a viral illness caused by day-biting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus msoquitoes, can cause high fever, joint and muscle pain, rashes, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases can be fatal without early treatment.
The Hospital Management Office of the provincial government assured that bed capacity and blood supply remain “highly manageable” for dengue patients.
“We can allocate spaces and extra beds if needed… it is manageable to cater to patients,” it said.
Health authorities are coordinating with Rural Health Units, barangay health workers, and local officials for rapid response in affected areas, alongside intensified mosquito control campaigns and distribution of insect repellents to reduce transmission and prevent more deaths.
Other areas that reported cases were Ajuy (106), Calinog (104), Pavia (102), San Dionisio (94), Barotac Viejo (91), Sara (90, with one death), Concepcion (85, with one death), Banate (79), City of Passi (73), Maasin (73), Carles (66, with two deaths), Dingle (66), Miagao (65), Guimbal (63), Santa Barbara (62), Alimodian (61), San Miguel (61), Estancia (56), Badiangan (55), Duenas (52, with one death), Mina (52), San Rafael (51, with one death), Balasan (48, with two deaths), Igbaras (43), Zarraga (42), Batad (38), Leganes (38), Anilao (37), Bingawan (34), San Enrique (32), Lemery (28), Tubungan (24), and New Lucena (12)./PN
