ILOILO – The province of Iloilo recorded 23 dengue cases from January 1 to 4, marking the first morbidity week of the year. This is a significant decrease compared to the same period in 2024, which logged 36 cases.
The cases were reported in the following municipalities: Barotac Viejo (three), Cabatuan (three), Ajuy (two), Leon (two), Oton (two), Santa Barbara (two), Tigbauan (two), Alimodian (one), Estancia (one), Guimbal (one), Leganes (one), Maasin (one), Pavia (one), and Pototan (one).
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding.
Severe cases can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which may result in bleeding, organ impairment, or death.
Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the Health Service Delivery Division of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), attributed the cases to heightened awareness among residents.
He noted that individuals experiencing or observing dengue symptoms are promptly visiting their nearest health facilities, such as Rural Health Units (RHUs), for dengue testing.
This pre-emptive action, commended by the IPHO, is critical in preventing severe dengue cases or fatalities.
Although the number of cases in the first week of 2025 is lower, Dr. Labis warned that dengue cases could still rise later in the year. This year marks the third cycle of the disease in the province, a pattern historically linked to an increase in cases, especially since dengue is endemic in the Philippines.
To prevent a surge in cases, Dr. Labis urged the public to adhere to the 5S strategy against dengue:
* search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
* self-protection through proper clothing and repellents
* seek early consultation for symptoms
* support fogging, spraying, and misting in hotspot areas
* sustain hydration to combat dehydration from fever
In 2024, Iloilo recorded 11,855 dengue cases with 33 deaths, a 542% increase from the 1,848 cases and two deaths recorded in 2023.
The 10 municipalities with the highest cases last year were Oton (716), Passi City (680, with two deaths), Leon (548), Calinog (524, with one death), Janiuay (505), Lambunao (469, with one death), Dingle (467, with one death), Barotac Nuevo (394, with four deaths), Dumangas (393), and Tigbauan (386)./PN
