Iloilo City: The City Health Office (CHO) has intensified border monitoring here as dengue cases continue to rise in many parts of the country. In a press conference on Monday, CHO officer-in-charge Dr. Mary Ann Diaz reported that from Jan. 1 to Feb. 22, Iloilo City recorded 106 dengue cases, including one fatality-a 45-year-old male from the City Proper district who died on Feb. 10. This marked a slight decrease from the 119 cases reported during the same period last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the areas under close monitoring included Barangays Buntatala bordering Leganes town, Mandurriao district adjacent to the municipality of San Miguel, and Arevalo district for Oton. Dr. Diaz emphasized the city's ongoing efforts to combat dengue, highlighting the 4S strategy: searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites, seeking early medical consultation, self-protection, and supporting misting efforts during outbreaks. She stressed that without the mosquito vector, dengue transmission cannot occur.

Diaz added that those exhibiting symptoms are advised to seek early medication for appropriate intervention, observe self-protection, and consent to misting during outbreaks. Although Iloilo City has not yet reached an alert level, cases continue to emerge, prompting intensified information campaigns through district health centers and misting in affected areas. Barangays South Fundidor, Calaparan, and Jereos have reported a clustering of cases.

Diaz urged all 180 barangays in the city to participate in the nationwide simultaneous cleanup drive on Monday at 4 p.m. to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Meanwhile, Iloilo province has recorded a 76.7 percent increase in dengue cases, with 592 cases and five deaths from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15, compared to 335 cases and one fatality during the same period last year.