ILOILO – With the onset of the rainy season expected this June, local health authorities are warning of a potential surge in dengue cases and deaths, following a sharp increase in infections in the first five months of 2025.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has recorded 1,742 dengue cases with nine deaths from January 1 to May 17 — a 77 percent rise compared to the 983 cases and three deaths reported during the same period last year.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and in some cases, bleeding. There is no specific cure, and severe cases can be fatal if not treated promptly.
According to Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the IPHO Health Service Delivery Division, historical data shows that dengue cases typically spike between June and August, coinciding with the rainy season when stagnant water provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“We anticipate a consistent rise starting June and peaking around July or August — the same period when we see the highest number of dengue-related deaths,” Labis warned.
The dengue virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person and then transmits the virus to others through subsequent bites. The disease is not spread directly from person to person.
To prevent dengue, authorities urge the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites — usually stagnant water in old tires, cans, plant saucers, and other containers. Wearing long-sleeved clothing, using mosquito repellents, installing screens, and seeking medical attention at the first sign of symptoms are also strongly advised.
While 38 municipalities and Passi City showed declining trends in dengue incidence based on a two-week growth rate, several localities posted notable increases.
San Joaquin topped the list of areas with the most cases at 132, followed by Oton (100 cases with one death), Leon (90), Cabatuan (80), and Dumangas (80). Other high-case municipalities included Lambunao (66), Pototan (63 with two deaths), San Dionisio (60), Calinog (57), and Janiuay (54).
Other areas which reported dengue cases were Ajuy (52), Pavia (50), Passi City (49), Sara (48 cases with one death), Maasin (46), Banate (42), Barotac Viejo (42), Barotac Nuevo (41), Concepcion (40), Estancia (39), Tigbauan (37 cases with one death), Miag-ao (33), Santa Barbara (33), Carles (31 cases with two deaths), San Miguel (30), Guimbal (27), Anilao (26), Batad (25), Badiangan (24), San Rafael (24), Dingle (23), Dueñas (23 cases with one death), Alimodian (22), Balasan (20 cases with one death), Igbaras (18), Mina (18), Leganes (17), Lemery (16), San Enrique (16), Tubungan (15), Bingawan (14), Zarraga (12), and New Lucena (seven).
Ages one to nine years old comprise the most affected age group with 595 cases, followed by 10 to 19 years old with 495. Infants under one year old recorded 52 cases, while adults aged 40 and above accounted for 250.
To curb the expected rise, the IPHO is urging all 42 municipalities and Passi City to sustain weekly cleanup drives under the “Limpyo Iloilo, kada Lunes nga lihok kontra lamok” campaign, spearheaded by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. The program mobilizes local government units, schools, and barangay communities to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites every Monday afternoon.
“Everyone should go out, clean their surroundings, and get rid of containers that may collect rainwater,” said Labis.
Given that schoolchildren remain the most vulnerable, the IPHO is also coordinating with the Department of Education to integrate mosquito breeding site elimination into the upcoming “Brigada Eskwela” from June 9 to 13.
Meanwhile, dengue fast lanes have been activated in Rural Health Units and district hospitals to ensure prompt treatment of dengue patients. The IPHO continues to roll out barangay-level education and control programs to strengthen community defenses against the disease./PN
