Leon Tops Iloilo in Dengue Cases

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The municipality of Leon recorded the highest number of dengue cases in Iloilo province during the fourth morbidity week, with 21 infections reported from Jan. 1 to 25, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

This marks a 600% increase from only three cases during the same period in 2024, with an attack rate of 4.02 per 10,000 population.

San Joaquin followed with 17 cases, Cabatuan with 16, and Oton with 14. Other municipalities with notable cases include Barotac Viejo and Dumangas (12 each), Passi City and Estancia (11 each), and Janiuay and Santa Barbara (10 each).

Iloilo province recorded 261 total dengue cases, a 43% increase from 182 cases in the same period last year.

Children aged 1 to 9 years old remain the most affected.

Barangays With Dengue Clusters Identified

Twelve barangays have been identified as having clustering of dengue cases, defined as three or more cases recorded within four consecutive weeks.

These barangays include:

• Bucaya, San Joaquin (6 cases)
• Agdahon, Passi City (5 cases)
• Talanghauan, Santa Barbara (4 cases)
• Tacuyong Sur, Leon (3 cases)
• Botong, Oton (3 cases)
• Poblacion, Batad (3 cases)
• Napnapan Norte, Tigbauan (3 cases)
• Pughanan, Lambunao (3 cases)
• Poblacion Rizal, Barotac Viejo (3 cases)
• Bulaqueña, Estancia (3 cases)
• Cali, Dumangas (3 cases)
• Bucaya, San Joaquin (3 cases)

PHO Urges 5S Strategy for Dengue Prevention

The PHO continues to urge residents to follow the 5S strategy to curb the spread of dengue:

1. Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites.
2. Self-protection by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent.
3. Seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days.
4. Support fogging and spraying in areas with dengue clusters.
5. Sustain hydration to prevent severe complications.

Authorities remind the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to combat the rising dengue cases in the province.