ILOILO – The municipality of Oton has overtaken Passi City as the locality with the highest number of dengue cases in this province so far this year.
From January 1 to November 16, Oton recorded 671 cases, slightly surpassing Passi City’s 669 cases, which include two deaths.
For most of the year, Passi City held the unfortunate record of having the most dengue cases. However, in morbidity week 46 (November 10 to 16), Oton moved into the top spot.
Province-wide, Iloilo reported 11,155 dengue cases with 32 fatalities during the period, marking a 576% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when there were only 1,624 cases and two deaths.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Symptoms range from mild fever to severe complications, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to death if untreated.
Provincial Health Office’s Appeal
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), confirmed the slight increase recorded in morbidity week 46 compared to week 45 (November 3 to 9). The province logged 176 cases during week 46, up from 134 cases in the previous week.
The number of barangays with clustering of cases also rose, from 22 barangays in week 45 to 30 barangays in week 46.
“We are not out of danger yet because rains continue unabated, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. We call on our residents and barangay captains to take the lead in launching anti-dengue initiatives to curb the rising cases. It’s heartbreaking to face these losses as the Christmas season approaches,” Quiñon said.
Dengue outbreaks often spike during the rainy season when stagnant water becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
To avoid dengue, the public is advised to regularly clean and empty water containers where mosquitoes breed; use mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing; and participate in community-led cleanup drives.
The IPHO reiterates the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce fatalities.
Colmenares-Quiñon urged residents to seek immediate medical attention at Rural Health Units (RHUs) or district hospitals if symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, or abdominal pain occur. She assured the public that the provincial government has provided dengue test kits and medicines to healthcare facilities.
Top Municipalities Affected
The 10 areas with the highest dengue cases this year are:
* Oton – 671 cases
* Passi City – 669 cases (2 deaths)
* Leon – 514 cases
* Calinog – 480 cases (1 death)
* Janiuay – 471 cases
* Lambunao – 450 cases (1 death)
* Dingle – 442 cases (1 death)
* Barotac Nuevo – 388 cases (4 deaths)
* Dumangas – 373 cases
* Tigbauan – 365 cases
Other municipalities accounted for the following cases: Santa Barbara (359 with 1 death), Miag-ao (321 with 2 deaths), Pavia (319 with 1 death), Cabatuan (313), San Dionisio (273 with 1 death), Barotac Viejo (265), Badiangan (257 with 3 deaths), Pototan (251), Sara (249 with 2 deaths), Banate (243 with 2 deaths), Alimodian (228), Igbaras (226 with 3 deaths), Lemery (221 with 1 death), Dueñas (220), San Joaquin (185), Batad (184), Ajuy (182), Guimbal (173 with 2 deaths), San Miguel (173), San Enrique (157), Anilao (156), Maasin (156), Estancia (155 with 1 death), Balasan (137 with 1 death), Zarraga (130), Leganes (129), Concepcion (127 with 2 deaths), Bingawan (126), Mina (122), Tubungan (96 with 1 death), Carles (90), New Lucena (61), and San Rafael (48)./PN
