By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has confirmed another dengue-related death, bringing the total fatalities in the province to six.
The latest victim, a 20-year-old male from Dingle, succumbed to the disease after being admitted to a hospital.
“The victim initially experienced a fever and consulted a clinic where he tested positive for dengue. Despite continuous follow-up, he developed complications and was admitted to the hospital, where he passed away on the second day,” detailed Dr. Rodney Labis, Chief of the IPHO’s Health Service Delivery Division, in a statement.
As of July 20 this year, the IPHO has recorded 2,493 dengue cases, marking a 161 percent increase compared to the 956 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Passi City leads the list with the highest number of cases at 171, followed by Lambunao with 155 cases and one death.
Other municipalities with notable case counts include Badiangan (116 cases, two deaths), Dumangas (111 cases), Calinog (110 cases), Oton (108 cases), Dingle (97 cases, including the latest death), Janiuay (92 cases), Barotac Nuevo (80 cases), Miag-ao (68 cases, two deaths), and both Lemery and Cabatuan with 72 cases each.
Children aged one to 10 years have been most affected, with 912 cases, followed by the 11 to 20 age group with 829 cases.
Clustering of cases, defined as three or more cases within a four-week period, has been identified in 32 municipalities.
Between July 13 and July 20, during the 29th morbidity week, 440 new dengue cases, including one fatality, were reported.
Passi City led with 34 cases, followed by Dumangas (30), Janiuay (29), and Dingle (27).
Other areas with significant case numbers include Lambunao (26), Badiangan (21), Oton (20), and Barotac Nuevo (19).
Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging the public to take preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Dr. Labis emphasized the ongoing aggressive dengue control campaigns, especially as more cases are expected in August.
The IPHO is coordinating with 43 municipalities, including Passi City, to guide dengue response activities.
Necessary supplies have been allocated to Rural Health Units (RHUs), and the “5S” strategy against dengue is being promoted.
This strategy includes searching and destroying mosquito-breeding sites, self-protection measures, seeking early treatment, supporting fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas, and sustaining hydration.
In anticipation of the upcoming school year, the IPHO has also coordinated with the Department of Education – Division of Iloilo to incorporate the anti-dengue campaign into their Brigada Eskwela program this week.
