Iloilo city: The Iloilo City Health Office is urging residents to step up dengue prevention measures and seek early medical care after three people died from the disease this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Iloilo City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit Nurse III Marlou Avance±a reported that the city recorded 288 dengue cases from January 4 to August 22, marking a 34.8% decrease from the same period last year. Despite the decline in cases, dengue deaths have increased to three, compared with two during the same period in 2025. Two of the deaths occurred in August and one in February. The fatalities were two girls ages 1 to 10 and a boy ages 11 to 20.
Avance±a stated that the city is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the latest death reported on August 24. He noted that the three fatalities were commonly associated with patients reaching the severe stage of dengue. He emphasized that the City Health Office has been advocating since January for residents to seek immediate consultation upon showing signs and symptoms to avoid complications.
The city has been conducting misting operations since January and continues to inspect areas for stagnant water and poor sanitation. These measures are carried out year-round and not only during the rainy season. District health centers are also involved in health education and social media campaigns, while free dengue testing and a fast lane for suspected cases are available at the centers.
Iloilo City has recorded clusters of dengue cases in 11 barangays, including Concepcion, Veterans Village, Divinagracia, Zamora Melliza, Caingin, Mansaya-Lapuz, San Isidro in Jaro, Tabuc Suba, Rizal Pala-Pala 1, Lapuz Sur, and San Pedro in Molo. A dengue cluster is defined as three or more cases recorded in an area for four consecutive weeks.
Avance±a urged residents to adhere to the 5S strategy: search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites; seek early medical consultation; practice self-protection; support fogging and misting operations; and sustain hydration.
