The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reminded Ilonggos not to be complacement and continue to take measures to protect themselves from dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
From January 1 to May 9 this year, the IPHO logged a total of 581 cases of dengue (including two deaths), lower by 65 percent compared with 1,651 cases (including nine deaths) recorded in the same period a year ago.
Despite the drop, IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the public must continue their vigilance against the mosquito-borne disease.
According to the Seasonal Climate Outlook of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), near to above-normal rainfall is expected in many regions, including Iloilo, from May to September, 2026.
“This increases the risk of flooding, stagnant water, and mosquito breeding — raising the threat of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases,” the IPHO said.
To prevent the spread of dengue cases, IPHO reiterated the practice of the 4S strategy, which involves searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites; seeking early consultation for fever, body pain, nausea, or rashes; secure self-protection with repellents and protective clothing; and supporting sSpraying/misting operations in hotspot areas.
The IPHO also strengthened its health response measures, including the activation of Dengue Fast Lanes in health facilities, prepositioning of medicines, diagnostic kits and vector control supplies, and mobilization of Barangay Dengue Task Forces.
Of the latest dengue cases, the town of Cabatuan accounted for the highest number at 72, followed by Calinog with 59, Dumangas with 25, Janiuay with 24, Passi City and Maasin with 23 each, Oton with 21, Ajuy and Lambunao with 19 each, and Tigbauan with 18.
Other towns that registered double-digit cases are Sara (17), Banate (16), Carles (16), San Dionisio (16), Estancia (15), Miag-ao (15), Pototan (14), San Miguel (14), Concepcion (13), Balasan (11), Barotac Viejo (10), Leganes (10), and San Enrique (10).
Twenty-one towns had less than 10 cases. These include Batad (nine), Bingawan (nine), Igbaras (eight), Pavia (eight), Dueñas (seven), Guimbal (seven), Santa Barbara (seven), Alimodian (six), Barotac Nuevo (six), Lemery (five), Leon (five), Tubungan (five), Dingle (four with one death), Mina (four), Badiangan (three), Zarraga (three), San Joaquin (two), Anilao (one), New Lucena (one), and San Rafael (one).
Dengue, which mainly affects children, is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Its symptoms include sudden onset of fever for two to seven days and at least two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes.IMT
