Dengue outbreak reported in Province of Iloilo

A province-wide dengue outbreak is reported in Iloilo due to the rising cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever in 36 of Iloilo’s 43 local government units (LGUs).

According to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), the 36 LGUs have already reached the epidemic threshold.

Based on data of the Department of Health 6, dengue cases in Western Visayas already reached 10,188 in 2024 with 23 deaths. Iloilo Province has the most number of cases at 3,914.

In relation to the outbreak, health officers of the concerned LGUs convened in a cluster meeting to review measures in responses and management.

According to Dr. Ma. Socorro Quiñon, provincial health officer of Iloilo, challenges include a depletion in the supply of test kits at the LGUs and adulticide at IPHO.

Adulticides are types of insecticides used to kill adult mosquitoes.

The Provincial Government of Iloilo awaits the declaration of two or more LGUs of a state of calamity (SoC) to be able to declare a province-wide SoC.

As of posting time, Passi City is by far the only LGU to have declared a state of calamity.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said that despite an outbreak, he assured of ample supply of dengue test kits and intravenous fluids, as well as the bed capacity at hospitals.

Once a province-wide state of calamity is declared, anti-dengue measures will be observed on a wider scope and quick response fund will be used to deal with the outbreak. —GMA Regional TV