BY IME SORNITO
ILOILO – Due to the rising number of dengue cases, this province will be placed under a state of calamity.
“We will make an outbreak declaration and a state of calamity declaration to strengthen local government response to the viral disease,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. yesterday.
The number of dengue-related deaths in this province continues to climb, with authorities now confirming six fatalities. The latest victim is a 47-year-old male from Carles town.
Provincial government data showed 803 cases from January 1 to March 1 of this year, a 77% rise compared to the same period in 2024, which saw only 454 cases and two deaths.
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species. The disease is common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
The previous five deaths recorded include a two-year-old girl from Tigbauan; a six-year-old boy from Pototan; an 11-month-old baby boy from Oton; a 67-year-old woman from Pototan; and a 71-year-old man from Carles.
This year marks the third cycle of dengue outbreaks, and based on historical data, dengue cases tend to increase during this period.
Although the dengue outbreak and state of calamity declared last year remain in effect, Defensor explained that a new declaration would allow for better coordination of resources, including the Quick Response Fund from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). This would help provide support to local government units (LGUs) affected by the outbreak.
“The epidemic stopped briefly in 2024 but never fully stopped. Cases began to rise again this January,” Defensor said.
The governor assured that the provincial government’s logistics, such as dengue test kits, intravenous fluids, and bed spaces in 13 district hospitals, are in place to handle the situation.
“The provincial government, through the Hospital Management Office (HMO), is prepared to increase the bed capacity of district hospitals if needed,” said Defensor.
As of March 6, 29 dengue patients were admitted to district hospitals, which he considered manageable given the hospitals’ capacities.
“The number of patients is not overwhelming, which suggests that the disease is not as severe yet. Serious cases are typically the ones admitted to hospitals,” Defensor explained.
Symptoms of dengue typically appear four to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and weakness, and skin rash.
In some cases, dengue can develop into more severe forms, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening. These complications are characterized by bleeding, blood plasma leakage, and dangerously low blood pressure.
Defensor reassured the public that dengue treatment is free for indigent patients at district hospitals, with coverage from PhilHealth for those affected by the disease.
“We have a backup fund to ensure that our less fortunate residents do not have to pay for treatment,” Defensor stressed.
He reiterated the call of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) for individuals exhibiting symptoms of dengue to seek immediate consultation at the nearest health facility.
“Do not wait for the condition to worsen, as delayed diagnosis is often linked to fatalities. If you experience fever, go for a check-up immediately,” warned Defensor.
Iloilo municipalities with the highest number of dengue cases are Leon (52), Oton (50 cases with one death), San Joaquin (47), Cabatuan (40), Dumangas (38), San Dionisio (37), Lambunao (31), Janiuay (27), Banate (24), and Ajuy (22), Tigbauan (22 cases, one death), Concepcion (21), Guimbal (21), Barotac Viejo (20), Calinog (20), Maasin (20), and Sara (20).
In response to this escalating problem, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has organized the women-led Limpyo Iloilo Kontra Dengue initiative, set to launch on March 8, in alignment with National Women’s Month.
The initiative is designed to empower women in the fight against dengue, with support from various provincial offices and local government units.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, emphasized the role women play in both community mobilization and dengue prevention efforts, calling on women from all sectors, including local mayors, health officers, and volunteers, to step up and lead this crucial battle.
“Let’s prove that women can take the lead in the fight against dengue,” she urged, rallying the community to act together for a cleaner, safer Iloilo.
This year’s event, under the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas”, aims to showcase women’s leadership in public health, supporting the objectives of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) to promote gender equality and empower women in all aspects of society.
Other areas that reported cases are Pototan (19 cases with two deaths), Barotac Nuevo (17), Batad (17), Carles (17 cases with two deaths), Passi City (17), Estancia (17), Pavia (17), San Miguel (16), Badiangan (14), Miag-ao (16), Santa Barbara (14), Dingle (13), San Rafael (12), Alimodian (10), Balasan (10), Leganes (10), Lemery (eight), Mina (eight), Igbaras (seven), Anilao (six), Tubungan (six), Zarraga (six), Dueñas (five), New Lucena (five), San Enrique (four), and Bingawan (two)./PN
