ACT FAST, SAVE LIVES: Dengue death toll in Iloilo rises to 11

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The death toll from dengue in Iloilo has climbed to 11, prompting health officials to renew calls for early medical consultation at the first signs of the viral disease.

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) confirmed the latest fatality as a 27-year-old woman from San Rafael town in northern Iloilo.

She was admitted to a hospital in Iloilo City on June 24 but died the same day.

IPHO head Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the patient had no underlying health conditions but exhibited early symptoms of dengue, such as flu-like signs.

However, she only sought hospital care when complications had already developed.

“If there are signs and symptoms of dengue—even just one or two days of vomiting and high fever—bring the patient immediately to the rural health unit (RHU) or hospital,” she said.

She noted that mild dengue cases may be managed at home but must be reported to the RHU for medical guidance and daily monitoring of complete blood count and platelet levels.

As of July 12, Iloilo has logged 2,927 dengue cases, including 247 new cases recorded in just one week.

This reflects a 20.8% increase from the 2,424 cases recorded in the same period last year, which had six deaths.

Colmenares-Quiñon said many of the recent cases were admitted to hospitals.

Of the 247 new cases, around 50% were confirmed positive for dengue.

Oton recorded the highest number of cases with 203 and one death, followed by San Joaquin with 198, Dumangas with 148, Leon with 138, Janiuay with 127, and Cabatuan with 123.

The IPHO flagged the towns of Oton, Janiuay, Barotac Viejo, and Tigbauan as having a surge in cases and barangay-level clustering.

The Provincial Hospital Management Office reported 71 dengue patients currently admitted across district hospitals.

While hospital beds remain available, officials warned that delayed admission could cost lives.

“Our hospitals always try to keep beds available, but if patients are brought in too late, we may no longer be able to save them,” Colmenares-Quiñon said.

With the onset of the rainy season, the IPHO urged the public to eliminate stagnant water that can serve as breeding sites for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

“Consistency is the key. The community must continue searching for and destroying mosquito breeding sites. If symptoms appear, seek early consultation,” the IPHO said.

Colmenares-Quiñon also encouraged the public to use mosquito repellents, sleep under mosquito nets, and wear long-sleeved, loose, and light-colored clothing as preventive measures.