Iloilo Dengue Cases Top 1,700; 9 Deaths Reported

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Dengue cases in Iloilo province rose to 1,742 from Jan. 1 to May 17, with nine deaths, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office.

This marks a 77% increase from the 983 cases and three deaths recorded in the same period last year.

Fatalities include two deaths each in Carles and Pototan, and one each in Oton, Sara, Tigbauan, Dueñas and Balasan.

Among the 43 municipalities with confirmed cases, San Joaquin leads with 132, followed by Oton with 100, Leon with 90, and Cabatuan and Dumangas with 80 each.

Clustering of dengue cases—defined as three or more cases in a barangay within four consecutive weeks—has been identified in 11 barangays across 11 municipalities.

Children ages 1 to 9 account for the highest number of infections, totaling 595 cases.

To combat the spread, the provincial government implemented Executive Order 29, signed by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on March 27, launching the “Limpyo Iloilo, Kada Lunes nga Lihok Kontra Lamok” campaign.

The initiative calls for weekly clean-up drives every Monday to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water and unmanaged garbage.

Residents are urged to clean their surroundings regularly and support the campaign to curb mosquito proliferation.

The Department of Health continues to promote its 4S strategy against dengue:
● Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
● Secure self-protection measures
● Seek early medical consultation
● Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas

The provincial health office stresses the need for sustained community participation to lower dengue cases and protect vulnerable groups.