Dengue continues to tighten its grip on Iloilo, with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) confirming almost 3,000 cases since January this year—prompting urgent calls for aggressive mosquito control and early medical intervention.
From January 1 to July 12, 2025, the PHO logged 2,927 dengue cases, including 11 deaths. The number is 21 percent higher compared to the 2,424 cases, including six deaths, recorded in the same period last year.
Oton registered the highest number of dengue cases in the province at 292 with one death, followed by San Joaquin with 198 cases; Dumangas, 148; Leon, 138; Janiuay, 127; Cabatuan, 123; Pototan, 115 with two deaths; Lambunao, 105 with one death; Barotac Nuevo, 97; and Calinog, 90.
PHO chief Dr. Maria Soccor Quiñon said many patients are currently admitted at district hospitals due to warning signs of severe dengue.
As of July 17, 71 patients remain confined, though hospital beds are still available across the province.
Quiñon reminded residents to seek immediate medical help if symptoms such as persistent vomiting and high fever appear within the first day of illness.
“Anyone showing early signs should go straight to hospitals or Rural Health Units,” she advised.
Quiñon also urged barangay leaders, especially in areas with uncollected trash, to step up cleanup drives.
She said containers that can collect rainwater—such as drums, flower pots, and discarded tires—must be emptied or destroyed to prevent mosquito breeding.
“Consistency is the key,” Quiñon emphasized. “We must continue the search-and-destroy operations to stop the spread of dengue.”IMT
