Iloilo City – In response to a worrying increase in dengue cases, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is urging residents to intensify their cleanup efforts. The call comes as the province reports 385 cases and four deaths from January 1 to February 1, 2025, marking a 58% increase from the previous year’s figures during the same period, which saw 244 cases without any fatalities.
Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, head of IPHO, highlighted that the surge included 124 cases reported between January 26 and February 1. The number of barangays experiencing ongoing dengue outbreaks has also risen to 18, up from 13 in the last report. Bingawan remains the only municipality in Iloilo without a reported case.
Cabatuan leads the list of affected areas with 22 cases, closely followed by Leon, Oton, and San Joaquin, each reporting 21 cases, and Dumangas with 19. The demographic most impacted by the outbreak are children aged one to nine, accounting for 40% of cases, with those aged 10 to 19 making up 26%.
The fatalities included a 67-year-old woman and a six-year-old boy from Pototan, a 71-year-old man from Carles, and an 11-month-old boy from Oton. Dr. Quiñon noted that Iloilo has been at an outbreak level since August 2024, and without public cooperation, the situation could deteriorate further.
To combat the spread, IPHO plans to enhance its campaign, working closely with local health offices to enforce the 4S strategy: Search and destroy breeding sites, Seek early consultation, Self-protection measures, and Support for fogging and spraying. Additional funds will be allocated to rural health units for dengue test kits, medications, educational materials, and mosquito control efforts.
Barangay officials are encouraged to participate in the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue initiative. The public is advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience high fever accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, muscle and joint pains, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, or rashes.