ILOILO City – Health officials are sounding the alarm as dengue cases in this city continue to rise in several barangays, with one child already dead and young children making up the majority of the 156 recorded cases from January 1 to April 5.
The Iloilo City Health Office is now calling on residents to step up efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds, warning that government intervention alone will not be enough to stop the spread.
While the total number of cases marks a slight 6% drop from last year, Dr. Jan Reygine Ansino-Hortinela of the Iloilo City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ICESU) emphasized that the threat remains high, especially in barangays already flagged for increasing transmission.
“Dengue isn’t just a medical issue — it’s a neighborhood issue,” Dr. Hortinela stressed. “We have the programs and services, but if households remain breeding grounds, we can’t win this fight.”
Among the areas under heightened surveillance and misting operations are Boulevard, Tagbak, Calaparan, Sambag, Jereos, Tabuc Suba, Lanit, and Bakhaw — barangays with a growing number of reported cases.
City health teams continue to provide free consultations and blood tests at district health centers. Residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, or body pains are urged to immediately seek medical help for early detection and contact tracing.
Despite aggressive fogging campaigns, health authorities stress that misting is only one aspect of control.
“Mosquitoes can breed in something as small as a bottle cap,” Dr. Hortinela warned. “A few drops of stagnant water is all it takes. That’s why regular clean-up drives are vital.”
Chief Sanitation Inspector Jennifer Avenir reported that misting operations have been conducted in 60 barangays so far this year. However, she cited limited transport as a continuing challenge.
“We rely heavily on barangay support to transport misting equipment and personnel,” Avenir said. “We’re appealing to barangay officials to assist us—not just during outbreaks, but all year round.”
According to Avenir, data shows that barangays with proactive leaders have significantly lower dengue cases. “Just one official leading a clean-up operation can make a big difference,” she said. “We need that kind of cooperation citywide.”
Residents are notified ahead of misting activities and are advised to take precautions — like removing clutter, covering food and water, and temporarily vacating the area if they have respiratory issues. Avenir reassured the public that the chemicals used are safe when handled correctly.
The city’s anti-dengue strategy — comprising active surveillance, fast-lane medical response, community misting, and public education — has been in place since a major outbreak in 2019. But officials warn that without sustained citizen participation, the disease will persist.
“The clean-up drives, early reporting of symptoms, destroying mosquito breeding sites — these are things the community must own,” Dr. Hortinela reiterated. “Protecting our families from dengue starts right at home.”
The city government is urging residents to join the regular Saturday clean-up drives and to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms occur./PN