ILOILO – As the province grapples with a surge in dengue infections, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is hosting the ASEAN Dengue Day at Casa Real de Iloilo today to heighten community awareness on the disease.
Over 1,000 dengue cases have already been recorded across the province, including four fatalities and several clustering instances in various barangays, according to IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
“The increasing mosquito population due to the rainy season further necessitates greater community vigilance,” Quiñon told Panay News.
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, causing severe flu-like symptoms and, in extreme cases, death.
Symptoms include a sudden high fever, severe headache, nausea or persistent vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. will spearhead the ASEAN Dengue Day observance, with the attendance of dengue program coordinators from 43 local government units across Iloilo.
A special invite has also been extended to Amalia Victoria Debuque, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay – Iloilo Provincial Chapter, to discuss the role of barangays in the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD) initiative.
Dr. Quiñon stressed the importance of comprehensive community involvement and the active role of barangay officials in implementing the 4S strategy against dengue, which includes searching and destroying mosquito-breeding sites, adopting self-protection measures, seeking early treatment, and supporting targeted fogging and spraying in hotspot areas.
The event will also feature talks on dengue prevention myths and facts by a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist from the Philippine Pediatric Society, and a presentation on the “Limpyo Iloilo” program by Mitzo Peñaflorida, a senior environmental management specialist.
As of June 8, the province has logged 1,110 dengue cases, with the highest numbers reported in Lambunao (77 cases, one death), Oton (59), Calinog (58), Passi City (58), Miag-ao (52 cases with two deaths), Badiangan (48 cases with one death), Lemery (45), Estancia (40), Dumangas (36), and Sara (32).
The province also identified one hotspot barangay in Badiangan town (Odiongan) with 13 cases and noted clustering of cases (three or more) in five other barangays:
* Astorga, Badiangan – three
* Libertad, Banate – six
* Datagan, Calinog – three
* Jamin-ay, Calinog – three
* Tabugon, Dingle – six/PN
