Iloilo logs 4 dengue deaths in January

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported four dengue-related deaths and nearly 400 cases in the province in January this year, marking a 58 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The fatalities are a 67-year-old woman, a 6-year-old boy, a 71-year-old man, and an 11-month-old infant. Two of the deaths were recorded in Pototan, while the others were from Carles and Oton.

IPHO head Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said the province recorded 385 dengue cases in January, with Cabatuan having the highest number of cases at 22, followed by Leon, Oton, and San Joaquin, which logged 21 cases each.

She also expressed concern over the increasing clustering of dengue cases, which rose from 13 villages to 18 in just one week.

"When dengue cases cluster in an area, the risk of severe infections and fatalities increases significantly, especially if not properly addressed by local authorities," she said.

To curb the spread of dengue, IPHO personnel will conduct village inspections to ensure proper implementation of the 4S strategy against dengue, which includes: search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, seek early consultation for symptoms, self-protection measures, and support fogging operations in hotspot areas.

"We will ensure that the rural health units have enough budget for dengue for the procurement of the dengue test kits, medicines, fogging, and materials for the information, education, and communication campaign," she said.

The IPHO has also called on residents to actively participate in community cleanup drives to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

Individuals experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain are urged to seek immediate medical attention at their nearest health centers.