ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported a decrease in dengue cases across the province, attributing this to widespread community cooperation in ongoing dengue prevention efforts.
IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said despite an overall significant increase in cases this year, recent weeks have shown a promising decline.
From January 1 to September 14, Iloilo recorded a total of 8,775 dengue cases with 23 fatalities, marking a 622 percent increase compared to the same period last year, which saw only 1,216 cases and two deaths.
However, detailed analysis of weekly data revealed a downward trend:
* 983 cases were recorded from August 4 to 10
* 1,253 cases from August 11 to 17 (peak)
* 1,000 cases from August 18 to 24
* 1,006 cases from August 25 to 31
* 554 cases from September 1 to 7
* 416 cases from September 8 to 14
Additionally, there has been a 61.14 percent decrease in the two-week growth rate compared to the previous three to four weeks.
Quiñon extended her congratulations to everyone involved in the dengue prevention campaigns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance.
“While we celebrate our successes, the battle is not over as the rainy season continues. It’s critical to persist with our search and destroy breeding sites initiatives,” she said.
The health office also advocates for continued indoor residual spraying in schools and households, which has been a crucial element in curbing the rise of dengue cases.
Quiñon further called for enhanced community participation, urging support for Barangay Health Workers and local government efforts to ensure a sustained reduction in cases.
The 10 municipalities with the highest number of dengue cases this year include:
* Passi City – 613 cases, 2 deaths
* Oton – 500 cases
* Calinog – 382 cases, 1 death
* Leon – 363 cases
* Dingle – 358 cases, 1 death
* Barotac Nuevo – 340 cases, 4 deaths
* Janiuay – 336 cases
* Dumangas – 325 cases
* Lambunao – 284 cases, 1 death
* Santa Barbara – 270 cases, 1 death
Other areas reported varying case numbers, indicating the widespread impact of the outbreak across the province: Cabatuan (265), Pavia (259), Tigbauan (253), Miag-ao (246 cases with two deaths), San Dionisio (232 cases with one death), Pototan (229), Barotac Viejo (214), Badiangan (210), Sara (200 cases with one death), Dueñas (196), Lemery (193), Alimodian (192), Igbaras (175 cases with two deaths), Banate (162 cases with one death), Batad (154), San Enrique (150), San Miguel (143), Ajuy (131), Maasin (124), San Joaquin (118), Mina (113), Bingawan (112), Zarraga (109), Balasan (108) Leganes (108), Estancia (105 cases with one death), Concepcion (104 cases with two deaths), Guimbal (98 cases with one death), Anilao (94), Tubungan (68), Carles (63), New Lucena (46), and San Rafael (30).
Quiñon urges continued diligence from all community members to sustain the decreasing trend and ultimately eradicate the threat of dengue in Iloilo./PN
