ILOILO – Dengue cases in this province have spiked to 1,431 from January 1 to April 19, representing an 82% increase compared to the same period last year.
The surge has also led to eight confirmed deaths, a rise from three fatalities recorded in 2024.
The latest victim, a 20-year-old female college student from Dueñas town, succumbed to the virus on April 10 after being transferred to the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSU-MC) for treatment.
According to Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), the student had initially developed symptoms on April 3 while staying at a boarding house in Iloilo City.
After feeling unwell, she decided to return to her home in Dueñas on April 4, where she was admitted to the Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City on April 7.
Unfortunately, her condition worsened, leading to her death due to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome from dengue.
Dr. Quiñon called on residents to seek medical attention immediately if they show signs of dengue, which include sudden high fever, severe headache, joint pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and even death, she stressed.
As of the latest reports, the remaining seven fatalities include individuals from various towns in Iloilo:
* 27-years-old female from Balasan
* 47-year-old male from Carles
* two-year-old female from Tigbauan
* six-year-old boy from Pototan
* 11-month-old baby boy from Oton
* 67-year-old female from Pototan
* 71-year-old male from Carles
The highest number of dengue cases have been reported in San Joaquin (118), Oton (86 with one death), Leon (79), Cabatuan (70), Dumangas (67), Lambunao (57), San Dionisio (55), Janiuay (45), Ajuy (41), and Banate (41).
Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant and continue efforts in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, especially during the rainy season when the risk of mosquito-borne diseases increases.
Dengue, a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, remains a significant public health threat. Severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can result in bleeding, blood plasma leakage, and organ failure.
The public is reminded to practice preventive measures, such as using mosquito repellent and eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
Other areas with dengue cases are Barotac Viejo (39), Passi City (39), Pavia (39), Calinog (38), Pototan (38 with two deaths), Concepcion (36), Sara (35), Tigbauan (35 with one death), Estancia (33), Maasin (33), Barotac Nuevo (31), Santa Barbara (30), Miag-ao (28), San Miguel (25), Carles (24 with two deaths), Batad (22), Anilao (20), Badiangan (19), Dueñas (19 with one death), Dingle (18), Alimodian (15), Leganes (15), Tubungan (15), Balasan (14 with one death), Lemery (14), San Rafael (14), Bingawan (11), Mina (11), San Enrique (10), Zarraga (10), Igbaras (nine), and New Lucena (six)./PN
