ILOILO – Dengue cases in Iloilo Province have surged to 2,927 with 11 recorded deaths as of July 12, 2025 — a 21% increase from the 2,424 cases logged during the same period in 2024, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Despite the spike, authorities say hospital bed capacity and blood supply remain “highly manageable” and sufficient for dengue patients.
IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the most recent fatality was a 27-year-old woman from San Joaquin town who died on June 24 after seeking medical help too late. “Ginakasubo naton nga may isa naman kita ka patay… wala na natabangan, napatay siya on that same day,” she said.
The municipalities with the most cases include Oton (203 cases, 1 death), San Joaquin (198), Dumangas (148), Leon (138), Janiuay (127), Cabatuan (123), Pototan (117, 2 deaths), Lambunao (106, 1 death), Barotac Nuevo (97), and Calinog (90).
Several other municipalities posted 20 to 85 cases each, with additional fatalities reported in Sara, Tigbauan, Carles, San Rafael, Dueñas, and Balasan.
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, with symptoms such as high fever, joint and muscle pain, headaches, skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases can become life-threatening without early treatment.
Dr. Quiñon said that Barangay Hibolo in Janiuay, and several barangays in Barotac Nuevo and Tigbauan are experiencing clustering and surges in cases.
As of July 16, the Provincial Hospital Management Office (HMO) reported a bed occupancy rate of 83.37% across 1,275 designated beds in 13 district hospitals, with 72 dengue patients currently admitted.
The hospital with the most dengue patients is the Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Janiuay with 22.
The HMO assured the public that hospitals are capable of accommodating more patients. “Ga-allocate spaces and extra beds ang hospital if needed… manageable siya to cater to patients,” the HMO said in a statement.
Dr. Quiñon emphasized the importance of early consultation, even for mild symptoms.
“Mild cases should not be managed at home; it is essential to consult with our centers to monitor their daily CBC and platelet counts,” she said, citing 247 patients referred by rural health units, with 50% testing positive for S1 dengue, 22% probable (IGM positive), and 28% suspected (IGG reactive).
She also urged residents, especially in barangays with clustered cases, to clean up their surroundings to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
“Kon higko gani ang aton community… damo gid ang itlogan sang lamok,” she warned, especially now during the rainy season.
IPHO reminded the public to inspect stagnant water not just once a week but after every rain. Parents are also advised to dress their children in long, loose clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
The Department of Health (DOH) – Western Visayas noted that out of 7,009 hospital beds across the region, only 69% are currently occupied.
Meanwhile, the regional blood donation rate reached 1.58% in the first half of 2025, surpassing the national target of 1%.
“From January to June this year, we’ve had 38,510 successful blood donors,” said Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, Medical Officer IV of the DOH Infectious Diseases Section, ensuring adequate supply for clinical needs, including severe dengue cases.
Health officials continue to encourage early consultation, vigilant symptom monitoring, and aggressive mosquito control efforts to curb further transmission and prevent deaths.
The other areas that reported cases were Ajuy (85), Pavia (85), Sara (85 cases, with one death), San Dionisio (84), Tigbauan (78 cases, with one death), Banate (72), Concepcion (67), Barotac Viejo (66), Maasin (64), City of Passi (61), Carles (57 cases, with two deaths), Santa Barbara (56), Mia-gao (48), San Miguel (48), San Rafael (47 cases, with one death), Dingle (46), Estancia (46), Alimodian (45), Guimbal (39), Mina (38), Badiangan (37), Dueñas (35 cases, with one death), Balasan (33 cases, with one death), Batad (33), Zarraga (30), Anilao (29), Leganes (29), Igbaras (28), Lemery (28), Bingawan (25), Tubungan (23), San Enrique (22), and New Lucena (11)./PN
Here’s the breakdown of hospital beds and number of admitted dengue patients per hospital:
* Iloilo Provincial Hospital (IPH) in Pototan – 205 beds (3 dengue in-patients)
* Alesosan District Hospital – 120 beds (11 dengue in-patients)
* Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital (RPGTMH) in Guimbal – 121 beds (11 dengue-in patients)
* Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan – 125 beds (1 dengue in patient)
* Sara District Hospital (SDH) in Sara – 91 beds (5 dengue-in patient)
* Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido District Hospital (DRYL/MH) in Lambunao – 79 beds (4 dengue-in patients)
* Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital (RDDDH) in Dumangas – 61 beds (0 dengue patient)
* Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital (DRSPSMDH) in Calinog – 117 beds (5 dengue patients
* Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital (JMCDH) in Balasan – 130 beds (5 dengue patients)
* Don Valerio Palmares District Hospital (DVPSMDH) in Passi City – 69 beds (1 dengue patient)
* Federico Roman Tirador Sr., Memorial District Hospital (FRTSMDH) in Janiuay – 70 beds (22 dengue-in patients)
* Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr. District Hospital (GNDTSDH) in Barotac Viejo – 65 beds (3 dengue in patients)
* San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital (SJMCH) in San Joaquin – 22 beds (1 dengue inpatient)/PN