ILOILO — Dengue fever continues to grip Iloilo province, infecting 4,706 individuals and claiming 17 lives so far this year from January 1 to September 20, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Data from the PHO show that children aged 1–9 comprise the most affected age group.
Officials stressed that parents and guardians must watch for warning signs such as persistent fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, or unexplained bleeding and bring children to health centers immediately.
While this year’s cases (so far) is 52 percent lower than the 9,809 cases and 29 deaths reported during the same period last year, health officials warned the disease remains a pressing public health threat, particularly to children.
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which breed in clear, stagnant water and are active during the day.
Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
In severe cases, it can cause bleeding, shock, and even death if not promptly treated.
“Please, let us not get tired of doing the 4S — Search, Secure, Seal, and Sanitize — and consistently checking for mosquito habitats not just outside our homes, but also inside,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, PHO chief.
Quiñon also urged anyone experiencing symptoms indicative of dengue fever to seek medical attention immediately.
She cautions that “severe dengue, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications and can even be fatal. Prompt recognition and management of symptoms are crucial in minimizing the risks associated with the disease.”
Hotspots and fatalities
The municipality of Oton leads the list with 361 cases and one death, followed by Janiuay (260 cases), San Joaquin (256 cases), Dumangas (229 cases, one death), and Leon (219 cases).
Balasan logged the most fatalities at three (from 92 cases), while Pototan and Carles reported two deaths each (from 180 cases and 117 cases, respectively).
Single deaths were also noted in Lambunao (from 154 cases), Tigbauan (144 cases), Concepcion, Sara (from 107 cases), Passi City (from 100 cases), Estancia (from 95 cases), San Rafael (from 67 cases), and Dueñas (from 65 cases).
Other areas that reported cases were Cabatuan (168), Barotac Nuevo (159), Calinog (137), Barotac Viejo (132), Ajuy (131), Pavia (118), Banate (104), San Dionisio (100), Guimbal (98), Miag-ao (89), Maasin (87), Dingle (81), Badiangan (79), San Miguel (71), Santa Barbara (71), Alimodian (63), Mina (62), Igbaras (57), Zarraga (49), Batad (47), Leganes (47), Anilao (44), Bingawan (38), Lemery (38), San Enrique (38), Tubungan (29), and New Lucena (15).
PHO’s call to action
To prevent further spread, the PHO urged residents to strictly follow the Department of Health’s 4S strategy:
* Search and destroy breeding sites by clearing containers with stagnant water.
* Self-protection measures such as using repellents, wearing long sleeves, and installing window screens.
* Seek early consultation when fever and other symptoms appear.
* Support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas.
Officials reminded communities that prevention depends on weekly cleanup drives at the household and barangay level.
Public cooperation, especially in high-incidence municipalities, remains critical to stop dengue’s spread and prevent more lives from being lost./PN
