By Mariela Angella Oladive
The number of dengue deaths in Iloilo Province has risen to 10 as of August 10, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
The fatalities include two cases each from Miag-ao and Badiangan, and one each from Dingle, Barotac Nuevo, Banate, Igbaras, Lambunao, and Passi City.
The province has recorded 4,595 dengue cases, marking a significant 320 percent increase compared to the 1,095 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
Passi City leads with 344 cases, including one death, followed by Oton (223), Dingle (210), Lambunao (201), and Dumangas (187).
Between August 4 and 10 alone, the province reported 994 new cases, with Passi City registering the most at 89.
Passi City was the first to declare a state of calamity on August 9, followed by Tigbauan on August 14, which has recorded 117 cases, with clusters identified in seven barangays.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. assured the public that the province has transitioned to disaster response mode.
“We are prepared and are continuously expanding our capacities, especially in terms of test kits, IV fluids, and bed space. If necessary, we are ready to utilize our COVID-19 facilities to accommodate dengue patients,” he said.
As of now, 241 patients are hospitalized for dengue. While the number remains manageable, Defensor stressed the need for vigilance.
He also emphasized the importance of cleanliness in combating dengue and urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
He mentioned that adjustments to school uniforms might be considered to better protect children from mosquito bites.
Health officials appealed to the public to adhere to the 5S strategy—Search and Destroy, Secure Self-Protection, Seek Early Consultation, Say Yes to Fogging, and Sustain Hydration—to help control the outbreak.
The province remains on Blue Alert status, awaiting the formal declaration of a province-wide dengue outbreak.
IPHO Head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon previously explained that reaching the alert threshold serves as an early warning for a potential epidemic, while the epidemic threshold necessitates urgent action.
Governor Defensor noted that the formal declaration of an outbreak involves meeting specific criteria set by the Department of Health (DOH).
“We are working on an executive order to coordinate our Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) efforts, including intensified fogging operations and financial assistance to municipalities,” he said.
The governor emphasized the importance of these measures, comparing the current response to those taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
