ILOILO – To stave off a surge in dengue cases and prevent flooding, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has called on residents to participate in a province-wide clean-up scheduled for 4 p.m. today.
The initiative is a preparation for the upcoming rainy season, which often sees an increase in water-borne diseases.
“It is crucial that we prevent the potential rise in diseases and flooding. Let’s clean up to fight dengue and prevent floods,” said Defensor.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by high fever, severe headaches, nausea, muscle and joint pains, and in severe cases, can lead to death.
The clean-up will focus particularly on the 4S strategy, which includes searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, self-protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and using mosquito repellent, seeking early treatment for dengue, and supporting fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.
It also aims to clear waterways of debris and other obstructions that can lead to flash floods.
Since the beginning of the year, Iloilo has recorded 1,003 dengue cases with four fatalities, marking a 69 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 593 cases.
Lambunao, Oton, and Passi City are among the municipalities with the highest incidence of dengue cases.
In addition, nine barangays have reported clusters of cases, indicating a significant localized spread of the disease.
Various community sectors including barangays, municipalities, schools, government agencies, private businesses, religious organizations, and cooperatives are expected to join the clean-up.
The health department continues to urge the public to take preventive measures seriously, particularly during the dengue-prone rainy season.
Municipalities with the highest dengue cases are Lambunao (72 cases with one death), Oton (56), Passi City (53), Miag-ao (47 cases with two deaths), Calinog (46), Estancia (39), Lemery (38), Badiangan (36 cases with one death), Dumangas (33), and Pavia (31).
The other towns with cases are Carles (30), Leon (30), Sara (29), Balasan (27), Ajuy (26), San Joaquin (26), Banate (25), San Dionisio (22), Santa Barbara (22), Dingle (21), Barotac Viejo (20), Barotac Nuevo (19), Tigbauan (19), Cabatuan (18), Igbaras (17), Leganes (17), Batad (16), Concepcion (16), Januiay (16), Maasin (16), Alimodian (14), Dueñas (14), Mina (13), Guimbal (11), Tubungan (11), Anilao (10), Bingawan (10), Pototan (10), San Enrique (10), San Rafael (eight), San Miguel (five), New Lucena (three), and Zarraga (one).
The age group most affected are the following:
* above 61 years old – 36 cases
* 51 to 60 years old – 19 cases
* 41 to 50 years old – 25 cases
* 31 to 40 years old – 47 cases
* 21 to 30 years old – 116 cases
* 11 to 20 years old – 281 cases
* one to 10 years – 43 cases
* less than one year – 43 cases
Nine barangays have clustering of dengue cases (three or more cases within four consecutive weeks). These are the following:
* Odiongan, Badiangan – 12
* Magdalo, Banate – three
* Libertad, Banate – four
* Santiago, Barotac Viejo – three
* San Matias, Dingle – three
* Imbaulan, Lemery – three
* La Consolacion, Miag-ao – seven
* Santa Monica, Oton – four
* Poblacion East, Oton – three
Dengue symptoms include a sudden high fever of 104 Fahrenheit degrees, severe headache, nausea or persistent vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin./PN
