By Mariela Angella Oladive
The dengue-related death toll in Iloilo province has risen to 17 as of August 24, with 11 fatalities occurring in August alone, according to the Iloilo Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU).
From January 1 to August 24, the province recorded 6,799 dengue cases, marking a 492.2 percent increase compared to the 1,151 cases reported during the same period last year.
Passi City reported the highest number of suspected cases at 497, including two deaths. Other municipalities with significant case numbers include Oton (338 cases), Calinog (289), Leon (278), and Dumangas (273).
Dengue cases have been reported in all municipalities and one component city, with 388 barangays identified as hotspots, up from 357 the previous week.
In response, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is working closely with Rural Health Units (RHUs) to provide technical assistance, identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and collect specimens for entomological surveys.
IPHO Head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon urged the public to actively participate in government efforts to eradicate mosquito breeding sites.
“To protect our neighbors, family, and community, let us join in searching for and destroying breeding places,” she stated.
She emphasized that mere sweeping is insufficient and that targeted destruction of mosquito breeding sites is crucial.
In a press conference, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. reassured the public that the province has adequate funds to support local government units (LGUs), including provisions for dengue test kits, intravenous (IV) fluids, and increased hospital bed capacity.
He highlighted that additional deliveries of dengue test kits are expected to bolster existing supplies. Support will continue for hospitals and rural health units (RHUs) with necessary medical resources.
The governor also reported a decrease in hospital bed utilization for dengue patients, now at 194 beds, compared to over 200 the previous week. He emphasized that, based on patterns from the 2019 outbreak, the number of dengue cases might start to decline in September.
