Iloilo City recorded fewer cases of dengue, leptospirosis, and waterborne diseases during the first half of 2026, although health authorities noted a sharp increase in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) as the rainy season began.

Data from the Iloilo City Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (ICESU) showed that dengue cases fell by 45.3 percent, with 140 cases recorded from Jan. 1 to June 27, down from 256 cases during the same period last year.

Despite the decline, the city recorded one dengue-related death during the six-month period.

Dengue is among the WILD diseases, waterborne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue, that are closely monitored by health authorities, particularly during the rainy season.

Jennifer Christie Avenir, chief of the City Health Office’s Environmental Sanitation Division, attributed the decline in dengue cases to intensified vector control measures, including barangay misting operations and sustained community cleanup drives.

The city government also distributed sprayers to public schools and provided 100 Olyset insecticide-treated screens to daycare centers to help prevent mosquito breeding.

“We encourage our barangays to sustain their cleanup drives not only every Saturday but every day,” Avenir said.

Leptospirosis cases also declined, with ICESU recording 13 suspected infections, or 35 percent lower than the 20 cases reported during the same period in 2025.

Waterborne diseases likewise remained under control, with 11 typhoid fever cases and 34 rotavirus cases recorded, compared with 35 typhoid and 37 rotavirus cases last year. No cholera case has been reported so far this year.

However, health authorities expressed concern over the increase in influenza-like illnesses, which rose to 72 cases during the first half of 2026 from only one case recorded in the same period last year.

The City Health Office continues to urge residents to observe proper sanitation, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, maintain personal hygiene, and seek immediate medical consultation if they experience symptoms associated with WILD diseases.IMT