Despite ongoing campaigns and lectures aimed at preventing dengue, cases continue to rise in Iloilo province, latest official data showed. According to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO), two additional deaths have been reported, bringing the total fatalities to six.
Data from the PHO revealed that the two new deaths occurred in Barangay Odiongan in the municipality of Badiangan. This prompted an outbreak declaration across the town after recording 12 cases, surpassing the epidemic threshold.
Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon confirmed the declaration of a state of calamity due to the rising cases. PHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon emphasized intensified indoor residual spraying and the Limpyo Iloilo program to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
“I urge the community in Badiangan to cooperate in searching and destroying breeding places and to participate in residual spraying or misting activities,” Quiñon added.
Recently, the Iloilo Provincial Government launched the Limpyo Iloilo initiative to conduct an “intense clean-up drive” across municipalities.
They implemented the 5S strategy: Search and destroy breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; Support fogging or spraying; and Sustain hydration.
Overall, Iloilo has reported 1,043 dengue cases, a 70 percent increase compared to 616 cases in 2023.
Dengue cases in Iloilo City drop
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Health Office reported a 6.9 percent decrease in dengue cases in Iloilo City. From January 1 to June 1, 2024, there have been 176 cases, down from 243 during the same period in 2023. The highest number of cases was recorded in the Arevalo District with 56 cases.
The Iloilo City Health Office hopes to maintain this downward trend through continued information dissemination and cooperation from city residents.
According to the Department of Health (DOH) 6 Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU), Iloilo leads Western Visayas provinces in dengue cases. It is followed by Aklan (508), Negros Occidental (457), Capiz (426), Antique (241). Iloilo City, meanwhile, registered 222 cases, Guimaras (169), and Bacolod City (151).
The DOH has declared June as Dengue Awareness Month and is preparing various activities in line with this.
