ILOILO — The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported a total of 942 dengue cases from 1 January to 8 March, marking an 81 percent increase compared to the 520 cases recorded during the same period last year.

San Joaquin topped the list of municipalities with 69 cases, reflecting a staggering 245 percent increase from the 20 cases reported in 2024. Other municipalities with high numbers of cases include Oton (58), Leon (56), and Cabatuan (45).

The death toll has reached seven, with fatalities reported in Pototan and Carles (two each), and one each in Oton, Tigbauan and Balasan.

In response to the surge, Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), has urged local government units (LGUs) and residents to actively participate in the province’s cleanup efforts, including the “Limpyo Iloilo Kontra Dengue” and the Department of Health’s “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito!” initiative.

The IPHO also visited San Joaquin, where 65 out of 85 barangay captains committed to ramping up efforts against dengue. Additionally, the IPHO distributed spray cans, adulticides and larvicides to help control mosquito populations.

Dr. Quiñon commended the municipality of Leon for its proactive approach in combating the disease. The town had previously recorded the highest number of cases, but following a municipal-wide cleanup effort initiated by the mayor, cases have decreased significantly, moving Leon from the top spot to third place.

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is currently evaluating whether to declare a state of calamity in response to the escalating dengue situation, despite having previously considered making such an announcement.