ILOILO – With dengue infections surging by more than 76 percent and the rainy season threatening to aggravate both health and disaster risks, the Iloilo provincial government is reinforcing its response systems to address potential outbreaks and climate-induced emergencies.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. convened the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to issue directives to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Hospital Management Office. The goal: ensure the province’s readiness to respond to a growing list of threats – dengue, mpox, and typhoon-induced disasters between June and August.
The PHO reported that as of May 24, dengue cases in Iloilo reached 1,838 with nine deaths, a significant increase from the 1,043 cases and four deaths recorded during the same period last year.
The trend has alarmed health officials, who now fear a repeat — or worse — of the 2019 dengue epidemic that triggered a state of calamity.
“Kon indi kita magbuligay, ang tendency is ma-reach gid to ang projection and might even be higher compared in 2019. We want to avert that. Nag meeting ang PDRRMC para maging aware ang tawo nga kinahanglan magbinuligay. Tanan gina-ubra na ka RHUs 9rural health units) and PHO pero nga-a sige man gyapon ang saka? So dapat consistent kita sang aton nga Limpoyo Iloilo,” said PHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon.
She emphasized that the spike in cases could worsen with the onset of the typhoon season.
“Ma-increase na naman ang (dengue mosquito) breeding sites,” she warned.
To support early dengue diagnosis and reduce strain on health facilities, Dr. Rodney Labis, Provincial Health Officer I, announced enhanced triage systems across the province.
“Our rural health units and hospitals have designated fast lanes for dengue consultations to accommodate potential dengue patients and minimize delays in medical check-ups,” he said.
Dr. Labis added that Iloilo is fully supporting the Department of Health’s 4S strategy against dengue:
* Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
* Seek early medical consultation
* Secure self-protection, and
* Support fogging or spraying operations
To improve community awareness, the PHO is working with the Bureau of Fire Protection and local churches to use sirens as signals for residents to carry out weekly clean-up operations against mosquitoes.
On the mpox situation, Dr. Quiñon reported that the province’s first confirmed case – a minor with no travel history – has fully recovered.
“As of now, the patient’s close contacts remain asymptomatic and are being monitored closely while in home isolation,” she said.
The PHO continues to urge the public to observe hygiene and basic health precautions to prevent the spread of Mpox and other infectious diseases.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration – Iloilo is keeping close watch on weather developments, particularly heavy rains and possible flooding, expected during the peak of the rainy season.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has also been instructed to review and enhance local preparedness and emergency response plans in anticipation of severe weather events./PN