ILOILO City – Dengue infections in Iloilo City have surged by 37.7 percent this year, killing eight people and infecting 785 others as of October 31.
Amid warnings that extreme heat does not eliminate the threat of the mosquito-borne disease, authorities are intensifying dengue prevention measures.
The City Health Office (CHO) recorded 785 dengue cases and eight deaths from January 4 to October 31, 2026, raising concerns over continued transmission despite the prevailing hot and dry conditions associated with El Niño.
Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna warned that dengue remains a year-round threat. Mosquitoes can remain active and become more aggressive in biting during extremely hot weather.
Fortuna cautioned residents against complacency, stressing that reduced rainfall does not necessarily mean a lower risk of dengue infection.
In response, the CHO has intensified barangay surveillance, misting operations and larvicide application while mobilizing Barangay Dengue Task Forces to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said she had ordered stricter preventive measures, particularly regular community cleanups and the removal of stagnant water.
“Importante nga aware kita kag maghalong,” Treñas said.
The mayor also urged residents to watch for dengue symptoms, including high fever, headache, body pains, vomiting and skin rashes, and seek immediate medical attention.
She said district health centers have established Dengue Fast Lanes and are offering free dengue testing to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
“Padayon kita nga magbuligay para malikawan ang paglapta sang dengue sa aton siyudad,” Treñas said.
City health authorities emphasized that eliminating mosquito breeding sites through regular household inspections, proper waste disposal and removal of water-holding containers remains crucial to preventing further infections and deaths.
The city government urged residents to sustain preventive measures regardless of weather conditions./PN
