ILOILO City – This city recorded a 45.3-percent decline in dengue cases during the first half of 2026, with health authorities reporting only one dengue-related death, although they warned residents not to become complacent as the rainy season heightens the risk of mosquito-borne infections.
Data presented by the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) on Thursday, July 2, showed that the city logged 140 confirmed dengue cases from Jan. 4 to June 27, 2026, significantly lower than the number recorded during the same period last year.
The lone fatality placed the city’s case fatality rate at 0.71 percent.
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of day-biting Aedes egypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, and, in severe cases, bleeding and shock.
Health experts advise the public to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.
The City Health Office’s Chief Sanitation Inspector Jennifer Avenir attributed the decline in cases to intensified prevention efforts but emphasized that continued vigilance remains essential.
“While we are encouraged by the decrease in dengue cases, we cannot be complacent because dengue remains a year-round threat, especially during the rainy season,” Avenir said.
She stressed that sustained community participation is crucial in preventing another spike in infections.
“Our campaign does not stop even if the cases are declining. Prevention should be practiced every day because mosquitoes continue to breed, especially after periods of rainfall,” Avenir added.
The CHO reported that children remain the most vulnerable to dengue, with those aged one to 10 years old accounting for the highest number of infections. Cases involved patients ranging from newborns to 78 years old, with a median age of 10 years.
As of June 27, only one barangay was experiencing a clustering of dengue cases, while no barangays had been classified as dengue hotspots.
Iloilo City has 180 barangays.
To sustain the downward trend, the CHO has intensified vector control measures across the city. Avenir said misting operations have already been conducted in 109 barangays, including schools identified as priority areas.
The city government has also distributed Olyset insecticide-treated mosquito nets to Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Centers to better protect young children from mosquito-borne diseases.
“These interventions are aimed at reducing mosquito populations and protecting our young children, who are among the most vulnerable to dengue,” Avenir said.
She likewise urged residents to faithfully observe the Department of Health’s 5S Kontra Dengue Strategy:
* search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites
* secure self-protection through repellents and protective clothing
* seek early medical consultation for fever
* support fogging or spraying operations in hotspot areas when necessary, and
* sustain hydration for suspected dengue patients
“Everyone has a role to play. The success of our dengue prevention campaign depends not only on the efforts of the City Health Office but also on every household regularly cleaning their surroundings and eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed,” Avenir said.
The CHO said it will continue surveillance and community-based interventions throughout the rainy season to prevent a resurgence of dengue cases and maintain the city’s declining trend in infections./PN
