By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Health-Region VI (DOH-6) released new data recently confirming there have been 19 deaths related to dengue fever in Western Visayas this year.

Based on DOH-6 records, around 2,700 dengue cases were reported in the region, with Negros Occidental reporting at least 1,284 cases and Bacolod City reporting 256.

However, the number of dengue-related fatalities in Negros Occidental remains at 10, which is higher compared to the same period in 2017, where eight deaths were recorded.

Earlier, the Bacolod City Health Office said the number of dengue cases in the city significantly dropped by 23.7 percent.

However, with the rainy season underway, health officials are concerned the number of cases may increase.

Meanwhile, with Dengue Awareness Month observed throughout the month of June, DOH-6 is reminding local residents about the 4S strategy recommended to prevent dengue.

The 4S strategy includes search and destroy mosquito breeding places, self-protection measures are a must, seek early consultation, and say no to indiscriminate fogging.

“We should be vigilant when it comes to the symptoms,” DOH-6 medical officer, Dr. Rose Marie Lamirez, added. “If there’s a fever, consult a doctor to know if it is dengue.”

She also provided additional tips to avoid dengue.

“Wear long sleeve shirts if possible,” Lamirez recommended. “We should also clean the surroundings especially the dark corners of houses.”/DGB, WDJ