The number of dengue-related deaths in the province of Iloilo has increased to eight this year, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
The eight confirmed deaths were among the 1,431 dengue cases recorded by PHO from January 1 to April 19, 2025.
The latest fatality was a 20-year-old female college student from the town of Dueñas. She died due to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome from dengue on April 10.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, PHO head, said the victim started experiencing symptoms of the disease on April 3 while staying at a boarding house in Iloilo City.
She returned to her hometown on April 4 and was admitted to the Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City on April 7.
After her symptoms worsened, the victim was transferred to the West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSU-MC) in the city.
Quiñon urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they show symptoms of dengue, which include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.
She stressed that early detection and treatment can prevent complications and even death.
The other dengue deaths in the province were from the towns Pototan (2), Carles (2), Oton (1), Tigbauan (1), and Balasan (1).
According to PHO, the dengue cases this year were higher by 82 percent compared to the total number registered in the same period last year.
San Joaquin accounted for the highest cases in the province at 118, followed by Oton (86), Leon (79), Cabatuan (70), Dumangas (67), Lambunao (57), San Dionisio (55), Janiuay (45), Ajuy (41), and Banate (41).
Aedes aegypti is the principal carrier of the dengue virus. Its peak biting period is after sunrise and at dusk one hour before sunset.IMT
