Cleanup efforts help cut dengue cases in Iloilo by half

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Dengue cases in Iloilo province have dropped by more than half compared to last year, with health officials crediting intensified cleanup campaigns and strong cooperation from local governments and communities.

Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) show that from Jan. 1 to Sept. 13 this year, the province recorded 4,606 dengue cases with 16 deaths, reflecting a 51% decrease from 9,458 cases and 26 deaths during the same period in 2024.

“Although we continue to record cases, the numbers have been steadily going down and are now below the epidemic curve.

Last week, we officially declared that the dengue outbreak we announced in August 2024 has successfully met the criteria to be lifted.

Based on our data, Iloilo is no longer under outbreak status,” said Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the Health Service Delivery Division of the PHO, in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo.

He attributed the decline to the provincial government’s intensified campaign under Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., who has led province-wide initiatives focusing on cleanliness and mosquito control.

He also highlighted the active participation of local government units and residents in cleanup drives, particularly in areas flagged for case clustering.

Despite the progress, the health officer warned against complacency.

Dr. Labis reminded residents to consistently follow the Department of Health’s 4S strategy against dengue:

-search and destroy mosquito breeding sites;

-self-protection through repellents or nets;

-seek early consultation when symptoms appear; and

-support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas.

He further urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience fever, rashes, body pains, or other dengue-like symptoms.

“Still, as long as cases remain, the risk of death remains,” Dr. Labis stressed.

He reported that the most recent dengue-related death was a five-year-old girl from Passi City, who died on Aug. 27 due to complications triggered by the disease.

Among Iloilo’s 43 towns, Oton logged the highest number of cases at 350, including one death.

This was followed by San Joaquin with 253, Janiuay with 250, Dumangas with 218 including one death, and Leon with 210.

Pototan recorded 180 cases with two deaths, while other towns with high case counts included Cabatuan with 165, Barotac Nuevo with 159, Lambunao with 150 including one death, and Tigbauan with 142 including one death.

Other towns with recorded fatalities were Carles with two deaths, Balasan with three, and one each in Concepcion, Sara, Passi City, San Rafael, and Dueñas.