Iloilo dengue cases drop by 51% in 2025

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Dengue cases in the province of Iloilo fell sharply in 2025, with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reporting a 51% decrease compared to the same morbidity period in 2024.

PHO surveillance data from Jan. 1 to Dec. 6 show the province logged 5,710 dengue cases, including 21 deaths—significantly lower than the 11,663 cases and 35 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024.

PHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon said the sharp decline reflects improved coordination between the provincial government, local government units, barangays, and community volunteers.

“This significant decline can be attributed to our better preparation and more aggressive action. We began the year at the epidemic threshold, which prompted us to intensify our interventions against dengue,” she said.

She added that the heightened cooperation of barangays and behavioral changes among residents—such as consistent cleanup drives, search-and-destroy efforts, and closer monitoring of suspected cases—played a crucial role in reducing transmission.

Among Iloilo’s 43 towns, Oton recorded the highest number of cases with 409, including one death.

This was followed by Janiuay with 313 cases; Dumangas with 283 cases and one death; San Joaquin with 266 cases; Calinog with 255; Leon with 239; Cabatuan with 214; Pototan with 209 and two deaths; Lambunao with 184 and one death; and Ajuy with 175 cases.

Quiñon noted that while weekly case numbers fluctuated throughout the year, with intermittent spikes and drops, the overall trend showed a steady decline.

“The earlier concern that cases might rise and reach as high as 20,000 did not materialize because of our collective effort. However, the 21 recorded deaths remain significant. As much as possible, we should have none,” she said.

Despite the improvement, PHO reminded the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing that dengue remains a year-round threat, especially with intermittent rains creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.