By Mariela Angella Oladive
Out of 43 municipalities in Iloilo province with recorded dengue cases, the town of Lambunao has reported the highest number of cases with 121 and one death, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the IPHO Health Service Delivery Division, disclosed that Lambunao is followed closely by Passi City with 97 cases, Badiangan with 87, Calinog with 81, and Oton with 74.
Miagao is sixth on the list with 59 cases, followed by Lemery with 56, Dumangas with 55, Dingle with 54, and Janiuay with 53.
In terms of attack rate per population, Badiangan reports the highest rate with 29.8 cases per 10,000 people. Lemery follows with 16.8 cases, and Lambunao ranks third with 15.24 cases.
Based on data provided by the PHO, from January 1 to July 6 of this year, the province recorded a total of 1,708 dengue cases and five fatalities, marking a 106 percent increase from the 829 cases reported during the same period last year.
Clustering of cases has been observed in 46 barangays across 23 municipalities, indicating localized outbreaks that require targeted interventions.
Despite the rising numbers, the province remains below both the epidemic and alert thresholds. For the 27th morbidity week (June 29 to July 6), the province recorded 245 cases, significantly below the alert threshold of 862 cases and the epidemic threshold of 1,415 cases.
Dr. Labis highlighted that although the current numbers are not yet at an alarming level, an anticipated rise in dengue cases is expected, peaking in July and August this year.
He stressed that while the province is far from a dengue outbreak, the anticipated rise necessitates stronger preventive measures and early detection strategies to manage the expected surge and prevent fatalities.
Highlighting the significant role of public behavior in managing dengue cases, Dr. Labis noted a trend of complacency when case numbers dip, followed by reactive measures when cases rise.
To change this cyclical behavior, IPHO advocates for year-round vigilance, promoting the 4S strategy against dengue: search and destroy breeding places, self-protection measures, seek early treatment, and support fogging during outbreaks.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has previously mandated all municipalities and Passi City to conduct the “4 o’clock habit” to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, stressing the importance of public participation in combating dengue.
