By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) reported that dengue cases in the province have reached 10,075, with 25 deaths recorded from January to October 5 this year, 637% higher compared to the same period last year, which saw only 1,367 cases.
Despite the high number of cases, health officials noted a steady decline in recent weeks.
“Based on the dengue epidemic curve, cases are steadily declining, but we are still above the outbreak level,” said Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rodney Labis in a statement on Friday, October 11.
He mentioned that the outbreak peaked during the 32nd morbidity week, from August 4 to 10, when 1,122 cases were recorded.
Since then, the number of infections has been decreasing.
Passi City was among the hardest-hit areas, with 648 cases and two deaths, followed by Oton with 588 cases.
Calinog and Lambunao recorded 441 and 423 cases, respectively, with one death each.
Between September 29 and October 5, 329 new cases and two deaths were reported, with Lambunao recording the highest number of cases at 78.
Dr. Labis stated that a dengue death investigation is underway to confirm if the latest fatalities were caused by the disease.
He also noted a decrease in the number of barangays with clustering dengue cases, from 146 to 94, indicating progress in containment efforts.
As part of their ongoing response, the IPHO continues to urge the public and local government units to implement the Department of Health’s 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, seek early consultation, use self-protection measures, and support fogging and spraying in outbreak areas.
Dr. Labis further confirmed that the province has no confirmed cases of mpox, despite investigating five suspected cases, all of which tested negative.
“Surveillance activities by our hospitals and rural health units are ongoing to ensure immediate response and prevent the spread of any detected cases,” he said.
