Aklan bucks Western Visayas dengue decline
By Mariela Angella Oladive
ILOILO CITY — Dengue cases in Western Visayas have dropped by 41% this year, but Aklan is bucking the regional trend with a 44% increase, prompting health authorities to step up localized disease-control measures.
The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development reported 6,954 dengue cases and 30 deaths across the region through Morbidity Week 36, covering Jan. 4 to Sept. 12.
The figure is down from 11,785 cases and 34 deaths recorded during the same period in 2025.
While cases declined overall, Aklan saw its tally rise to 1,090 from 755 during the same period last year, including three deaths.
The figures were presented during the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force Meeting for Infectious Diseases on Sept. 25, led by Infectious Disease Section chief Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray.
Health authorities identified 174 barangays across the region with dengue case clustering.
Dengue clustering refers to the occurrence of at least two suspected or confirmed dengue cases within the same barangay over a four-week period, indicating possible localized transmission.
Among the areas identified as hotspots were Barangay Andagaw in Kalibo and Barangay Manoc-Manoc in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
In Iloilo, identified areas included Barangays Barosbos and Dayhagan in Carles and Barangays Botongon, Cano-an and Poblacion Zone II in Estancia.
As part of the response, the Department of the Interior and Local Government will spearhead the reactivation of municipal and barangay dengue task forces.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will assist local government units with solid waste management and vector-control efforts.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the National Housing Authority will coordinate cleanliness and advocacy campaigns targeting unoccupied housing units.
Despite the overall decline in dengue cases, health officials continue to urge local governments and communities to sustain surveillance and prevention efforts, particularly in areas where cases continue to cluster.
The DOH continues to promote its 4S strategy against dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, practice self-protection against mosquito bites, seek early consultation when symptoms appear, and support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.
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