Philippines: rising dengue cases in Iloilo Province

Dengue cases continue to rise in five municipalities of Iloilo Province. They are Barotac Nuevo, Bingawan, Pototan, Cabatuan, and San Dionisio. From January 1 to March 29, Iloilo recorded 1223 cases and 7 deaths – an 83% increase compared to the 668 cases and 2 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024. Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, chief of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), said that the weekly growth rate of the disease is declining, but some parts of the province still see cases rising. In response, provincial authorities are intensifying prevention measures, calling on local governments to enforce a weekly cleanup operation every Monday afternoon. The operation aims to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds in schools, homes, and public areas. The first public response to the initiative has been quite positive, with sirens and church bells signaling the start of cleanup activities. Evaluations will be held every two weeks to assess the effectiveness of cleanup operations and decide further actions. However, the PHO advised citizens to remain proactive and enhance anti-dengue efforts.
Meanwhile, health officials are developing targeted interventions against mosquito populations through larval surveillance and entomological studies. Despite these efforts, they recognize that the onset of the dry season could pose new challenges to containing the disease. Nevertheless, they hope that a sustained commitment will reduce dengue cases and create a culture of prevention in the province.