Iloilo City intensifies anti-dengue drive
OFFICIALS from the Iloilo City local government are intensifying efforts to curb the spread of dengue after health authorities recorded 785 cases and eight deaths from January to October 2026.
Photograph courtesy of Unsplash
The local government of Iloilo City is urging households to conduct daily cleanup routines to curb the spread of dengue, as local health authorities recorded 785 cases and eight deaths from January through October.
City Health Office head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz advised residents not to wait for scheduled weekly cleanup drives to eliminate stagnant water and potential mosquito-breeding grounds, stressing that consistent household sanitation is vital to containing the mosquito-borne disease.
She urged families to inspect their surroundings daily and empty containers where rainwater can accumulate.
In an interview, Diaz cited that dengue infections in the city surged by 37.7 percent compared with the same 10-month period last year, breaching both alert and epidemic thresholds.
Health records show that 28 barangays have reported case clusters — defined as at least three infections within four consecutive weeks — while four villages have been classified as hotspots due to confirmed fatalities.
The most recent deaths occurred in October in Barangays Boulevard in Molo district, San Isidro in Jaro district, and Baldoza in La Paz district, following earlier fatalities logged in February and August.
To stem further transmission, the City Health Office is intensifying its information and prevention campaign under the Department of Health’s 4S strategy, placing particular emphasis on eliminating breeding sites and encouraging prompt medical care.
“We are intensifying our advocacy of the 4S, with emphasis on two: search and destroy mosquito-breeding places. Second, most deaths are due to late consultation. We campaign for early medical consultation in our nine district health centers,” Diaz said.
The broader 4S framework also promotes self-protection measures — such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and applying insect repellent — alongside targeted fogging operations when warranted.
Since September, the City Health Office has worked with village officials to activate local dengue task forces and health emergency teams tasked with tracking suspected infections, referring symptomatic residents for early treatment, and promoting preventive practices.
Regular misting operations are also underway in schools and public establishments, while the city’s sanitation division is deploying teams to assist barangays with intensified cleanup efforts.