ILOILO – Fourteen towns in this province have been flagged for dengue clustering — a situation where three or more cases are recorded in a barangay within a four-week period — signaling the growing threat of localized outbreaks.
This comes as the province’s total dengue cases since January hit 1,033, with health officials reporting a 79% increase in infections compared to the same period last year (576 cases with two deaths).
As of the 11th morbidity week (January 1 to March 15, 2025), the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recorded 1,033 dengue cases, including seven deaths. In 2024, the province had logged 576 cases with two deaths during the same timeframe.
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito, which typically bites during early morning and late afternoon. The disease is not spread from person to person.
Clustering Areas Identified
The following towns and barangays are currently experiencing dengue clustering:
* Ajuy – Barangay Malayu-an (three)
* Anilao – Barangay Serallo (three)
* Banate – Barangay Carmello (three)
* Barotac Nuevo – Barangay Tubungan (three)
* Concepcion – Barangay Bacjawan Norte (three) and Brgy. Poblacion (four)
* Leon – Barangay Poblacion (seven)
* Maasin – Barangay Siwalo (four)
* Oton – Barangay Abilay Norte (six) and Brgy. Santa Monica (six)
* Pavia – Barangay Balabag (three) and Brgy. Tigum (five)
* San Dionisio – Barangay Pase (four) and Brgy. Siempreviva (four)
* San Joaquin – Barangay Danawan (three), Barangay Purok 1 (three), Barangay Santa Rita (three), and Barangay Sinogbuhan (three)
* San Miguel – Barangay San Jose (three)
* Sara – Barangay Devera (three)
* Tubungan – Barangay Bato (four)
This marks an increase from the 13 towns recorded under dengue clustering during the previous morbidity week.
Symptoms often appear four to 10 days after the bite and may include: sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue.
Severe cases can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and even death if not treated promptly.
Towns with the highest dengue cases so far are San Joaquin (73), Oton (67 with one death), Leon (57), Cabatuan (47), Dumangas (47), San Dionisio (44), Lambunao (36), Banate (36), Janiuay (35), and Ajuy (33).
Governor Urges Community Action
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has renewed his appeal to the public to actively participate in the province-wide “Limpyo Iloilo” campaign and the “Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” initiative.
“We urge everyone to keep their homes and surroundings clean. Let’s look for and destroy mosquito breeding grounds both inside and outside our houses. Our collective action can stop dengue,” Defensor emphasized.
There is no specific treatment for dengue, so prevention is key. Health experts strongly advise the public to:
* eliminate standing water in containers where mosquitoes breed (such as old tires, buckets, plant saucers, etc.)
* keep surroundings clean and dry
* use mosquito nets, repellents, and wear protective clothing
* participate in community-wide cleanup drives
* follow the “4 o’clock habit” or “Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites daily
Widespread Cases Across 33 Other Localities
Dengue cases have also been reported in 33 other municipalities and Passi City, with the following showing notable numbers: Sara (28), Estancia (26), Pototan (26 with two deaths), Concepcion (26), Barotac Viejo (26), Maasin (26), Pavia (26), Tigbauan (25 with one death), Calinog (24), Carles (23 with two deaths), Passi City (22), Guimbal (21), Barotac Nuevo (21), Miag-ao (20), Batad (29), Santa Barbara (19), San Miguel (18), Dingle (17), Badiangan (16), Balasan (14 with one death), San Rafael (13), Leganes (12), Tubungan (11), Anilao (11), Alimodian (10), Lemery (10), Mina (nine), Zarraga (nine), Igbaras (eight), Dueñas (seven), New Lucena (six), San Enrique (six), and Bingawan (three).
Health officials advise those with dengue-like symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, especially if fever persists for more than two days or is accompanied by bleeding or intense abdominal pain.
The public is reminded that dengue is preventable, but only if everyone does their part./PN
