ILOILO – From January 1 to March 30 of this year, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) recorded 598 dengue cases, including two fatalities – 40 percent higher than the 426 cases recorded in the same period in 2023.
To curb the rise in cases, the IPHO ordered the province’s 1,721 barangays to organize clean-up drives and community dialogues.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, noted the two deaths from Lambunao and Miag-ao towns.
She stressed the importance of eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes as a priority, especially with the El Niño phenomenon leading to water shortages and the habit of storing water in containers.
Dengue mosquitoes breed in clear, stagnant water.
Quiñon advised ensuring that water containers are properly cleaned to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
The fight against dengue also includes self-protection measures, seeking early treatment, and supporting fogging or spraying in hotspot areas where an increase in cases has been noted for two consecutive weeks to avoid a potential outbreak.
Quiñon said Rural Health Units (RHUs) are well-stocked with dengue test kits provided by the IPHO for individuals suspected of having dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection characterized by severe flu-like symptoms and sometimes fatal outcomes. Symptoms include a sudden high fever, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, and red spots or patches on the skin.
Data from the IPHO indicated that seven barangays in the province have experienced clustering of cases, defined as three or more cases within a four-week period. These are the following: Cabayogan, Badiangan; Kinalkalan, Balasan; Baje San Julian, Calinog; Bansag, Lambunao; Poblacion Ilaya, Lambunao; Maite Pequeño, Lambunao; and Cawilihan, Leon.
The municipalities with the highest number of dengue cases so far include Lambunao (49 cases with one death), Oton (33), Passi City (30), Calinog (26), Dumangas (25), Pavia (24), Leon (23), Miag-ao (22 cases with one death), San Joaquin (22), and Lemery (21).
All 43 towns, including Passi City, have reported dengue cases.
The breakdown of dengue cases by age group shows a higher incidence among younger populations:
* above 61 years old – 22 cases
* 51 to 60 years old – 11 cases
* 41 to 50 years old – 11 cases
* 31 to 40 years old – 33 cases
* 21 to 30 years old – 77 cases
* 11 to 20 yeara old – 178 cases
* one to 10 years old – 156 cases
* less than one year old – 21 cases/PN
