ILOILO – This province has recorded a total of 1,673 dengue cases, including nine deaths, from January 1 to May 10, 2025, marking an 80% increase compared to the 928 cases and three deaths logged in the same period last year, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, is characterized by high fever and flu-like symptoms. In its severe form, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, it can cause serious bleeding, shock, and even death.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of IPHO, confirmed that the most recent death was a two-year-old child from the municipality of Sara, who was also diagnosed with dengue in November 2024.
“This tragic incident highlights a common misconception about dengue fever, that previous infections provide immunity. In reality, the risk of severe dengue increases with each subsequent infection,” said Quiñon.
The IPHO has identified the top 10 municipalities with the highest number of dengue cases:
* San Joaquin – 126 cases
* Oton – 99 cases (one death)
* Leon – 86 cases
* Cabatuan – 79 cases
* Dumangas – 79 cases
* Lambunao – 64 cases
* Pototan – 59 cases (two deaths)
* San Dionisio – 56 cases
* Calinog – 54 cases
* Janiuay – 51 cases
Other cases were recorded in Ajuy (48 cases), Passi City (48 cases), Pavia (46 cases), Maasin (45 cases), Sara (45 cases, one death), Barotac Viejo (42 cases), Banate (41 cases), Barotac Nuevo (40 cases), Estancia (39 cases), Concepcion (37 cases), Tigbauan (37 cases, one death), Santa Barbara (32 cases), Miagao (31 cases), Carles (30, two deaths), San Miguel (30 cases), Guimbal (27 cases), Anilao (25 cases), Batad (24 cases), Dingle (23 cases), Dueñas (23 cases, one death), Alimodian (22 cases), Badiangan (21 cases), San Rafael (21 cases), Balasan (17 cases, one death), Igbaras (17 cases), Mina (16 cases), San Enrique (16 cases), Leganes (15 cases), Lemery (15 cases), Tubungan (15 cases), Bingawan (14 cases), Zarraga (12 cases), and New Lucena (6 cases).
The IPHO data also revealed that the one to nine-year-old children were the most affected, with 283 cases among females and 296 cases among males.
In addition, these barangays are experiencing clustering of cases, where three or more cases have been reported within a consecutive four-week period: Poblacion, Alimodian; Simsiman, Calinog; Kinagdan, Igbaras; Naslo-Bucao, Maasin; Botong, Oton; Cansilayan, Pototan; San Antonio, San Miguel; and San Andres, San Rafael.
In response to the rising cases, the IPHO continues to promote the 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; secure self-protection by wearing long sleeves or using insect repellent; seek early consultation when symptoms appear; and support fogging and spraying in areas with a surge in cases
This campaign is aimed at reducing the risk of contracting the dengue virus and lowering the fatality rate in the province./PN
