By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Province reported 17 dengue-related deaths in August, marking the highest monthly toll for 2024.
As of November 2, total fatalities have reached 32, with 10,846 reported cases, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO). This represents a 593 percent increase from last year’s 1,564 cases and two deaths.
PHO Head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon noted that August saw a peak in dengue cases, with nearly or more than 1,000 new infections each week for four consecutive weeks.
While case numbers declined in the following months, the province recorded four additional dengue-related deaths in September, another four in October, and one more in early November.
The fatalities included four deaths each in Barotac Nuevo and Concepcion, two each in Miagao, Lambunao, Badiangan, and Dingle, and others across the following areas: City of Passi (2), Igbaras (2), Sara (2), Banate (1), San Enrique (1), Santa Barbara (1), Estancia (1), San Dionisio (1), Ajuy (1), Tubungan (1), Barotac Viejo (1), Balasan (1), Lemery (1), and Gumbal (1).
In terms of cases, Passi City led with 661 cases, followed by Oton with 645, Leon with 489, and Calinog with 474.
“The situation remains concerning, as we might expect fatalities to stop with cases gradually decreasing, yet they continue. We still haven’t fully dropped below the epidemic threshold. With the rainy season, there is a continued risk of dengue transmission,” Dr. Quiñon said.
She urged the public to remain vigilant and participate in the 4S campaign, which promotes searching for and destroying mosquito breeding sites, practicing self-protection measures, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging operations in high-risk areas.
Dr. Quiñon stressed the importance of removing standing water around homes and maintaining sanitation to reduce mosquito populations and prevent further dengue transmission.
