
ILOILO – Following a rapid increase in dengue cases across the province, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has called on local government units (LGUs) to promptly implement programs and activities aimed at curbing the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
From January 1 to January 11, the province recorded 105 dengue cases, a 19 percent increase compared to the 81 cases reported during the same period last year.
“We at the Iloilo provincial government and the IPHO are urging our LGUs to immediately focus on anti-dengue programs and reimplement activities to prevent the spread of the disease,” said Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the IPHO’s Health Service Delivery Division.
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which may cause bleeding, organ impairment, or even death.
Potential Spike in Cases
Dr. Labis attributed the surge in cases to reduced focus on dengue prevention activities during the December 2024 holiday season.
Festive distractions often lead to lapses in sustained campaigns against the disease, he said.
“We might experience another significant increase in dengue cases this year, and the threat to lives remains very real,” Labis warned.
In 2024, Iloilo reported 11,855 dengue cases and 33 deaths – a 542 percent increase from the 1,848 cases and two deaths in 2023.
The province declared a dengue outbreak in August 2024, followed by a state of calamity declaration.
Enhanced response efforts by the provincial government, LGUs, and communities helped reduce cases towards the end of 2024.
Despite these efforts, Labis emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum.
“We must sustain the gains achieved last year to prevent another surge,” he said.
Community Effort Needed


Labis pointed out that intermittent rains have contributed to stagnant water, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
He urged communities to adopt routine cleanliness and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.
“We appeal to everyone to make it a habit to clean their surroundings, search for and destroy mosquito breeding areas like cans, tires, plastic containers, and flower vases,” Labis said.
Affected Areas
As of January 11, 2025, 33 LGUs have reported dengue cases, with the highest numbers recorded in the towns of San Joaquin (10 cases), Leon (eight cases), Estancia (seven cases); Barotac Viejo and Cabatuan (six cases cases); and Ajuy, Oton, Guimbal, Janiuay, and Passi City (five cases each).
Meanwhile, 10 municipalities remain dengue-free, including Anilao, Balasan, Bingawan, Carles, Mina, New Lucena, San Enrique, San Rafael, Sara, and Zarraga.
Two barangays have reported clustering of cases — Barangay Rizal in Barotac Viejo and Barangay Bulaquena in Estancia, each with three cases recorded over a four-week period.
The other towns with dengue cases are Santa Barbara, Miag-ao, and San Dionisio (four cases each); Maasin and Pototan (three cases each); Tigbauan, Alimodian, Leganes, Badiangan, Banate, Batad, and San Miguel (two cases each); Pavia, Barotac Nuevo, Calinog, Concepcion, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Igbaras, Lambunao, Lemery, and Tubungan (one case each)./PN