Only 8 active dengue cases in Iloilo City as numbers decline

 By Mariela Angella Oladive

Dengue cases in Iloilo City have steadily declined, with only eight active cases remaining and affected barangays dropping from 54 to 14, according to the City Health Office’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU).

As of Nov. 3, 2024, the city has recorded a total of 1,810 dengue cases since Jan. 1, with 1,796 recoveries and six fatalities.

Dr. Annabelle Tang, head of the City Health Office, said the city government continues its anti-dengue efforts, including vector control through misting operations and community clean-up drives.

The hydration facility for dengue patients at the La Paz Maternity and Reproductive Health Center has closed after admitting only one patient since its reopening on Aug. 21, 2024.

Tang noted that most dengue patients, or their parents in the case of minors, opted to manage and monitor symptoms at home, as cases were generally manageable.

To ensure patient safety, barangay health workers have been deployed for regular monitoring.

In cases of warning signs, patients are quickly referred to hospitals for further evaluation.

All district health centers in Iloilo City now have designated dengue fast lanes to expedite consultations for symptomatic individuals. Free dengue tests are available at these centers to support early detection.

City officials continue to urge residents to stay vigilant in preventing dengue transmission and to report symptoms to health authorities.

Earlier this year, Iloilo City was placed under a state of calamity due to a surge in dengue cases. However, the recent decline suggests that preventative measures and community cooperation are effectively controlling the virus’s spread.