ILOILO – Out of the 42 municipalities in this province plus the component city of Passi, only five municipalities — Balasan, Bingawan, New Lucena, San Rafael, and Zarraga — have remained dengue-free so far this year.
A total of 38 municipalities, including Passi City, have recorded dengue cases from January 1 to January 18, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Severe cases may progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can cause blood plasma leakage, organ impairment, and even death.
The IPHO said cases have so far reached 172 – a 30% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw only 132 cases.
The areas with the highest number of cases are Leon (13), San Joaquin (11), Dumangas (10), Passi City (nine), Estancia (nine), Oton (nine), Barotac Viejo (nine), Cabatuan (seven), Santa Barbara (seven), and Janiuay (six).
Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the IPHO Health Service Delivery Division, has urged Municipal Health Offices (MHOs) across local government units (LGUs) to strengthen their anti-dengue programs and implement measures to curb the spread of mosquito-borne infections.
He emphasized the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds by removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
Twenty-eight other municipalities have also reported cases, including Pavia (six), Tigbauan (six), Ajuy (five), Batad (five), Guimbal (five), Leganes (five), Alimodian (four), Miag-ao (four), Pototan (four), San Dionisio (four), Sara (four), Badiangan (three), Maasin (three), San Miguel (three), Banate (two), Calinog (two), Carles (two), Concepcion (two), Dingle (two), Lambunao (two), Lemery (two), San Enrique (two), Anilao (one), Barotac Nuevo (one), Duenas (one), Igbaras (one), Mina (one), and Tubungan (one).
Six municipalities have reported clustering of cases, defined as three or more infections within four consecutive weeks:
* Barotac Viejo – Barangay Riza (three cases)
* Batad – Barangay Poblacion (three cases)
* Passi City – Barangay Agdahon (five cases)
* Dumangas – Barangay Cali (three cases)
* Estancia – Barangay Bulaquena (three cases)
* Tigbauan – Barangay Napnapan (three cases)
“We must continue practicing the search-and-destroy method to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and reduce the risk of dengue transmission,” Labis said.
Labis also encouraged parents and guardians to immediately seek medical consultation at the nearest health facility if children exhibit symptoms of dengue.
The IPHO continues to advocate the 4S Strategy against dengue:
* Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites
* Self-protection through the use of repellents and proper clothing
* Seek early consultation upon the appearance of symptoms
* Support fogging, spraying, and misting in dengue hot spots/PN
