By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The dengue cases in Negros Occidental continue to rise as the province records 181 new cases based on the Department of Health in Western Visayas’ (DOH-6) Dengue Morbidity Week No. 33 from August 14 to 20, 2022.

Based on the data released yesterday morning, the province’s total dengue cases is now at 3,648 since January of this year.

It also recorded three new fatalities bringing the total dengue death toll in the province to 24.

Negros Occidental is also leading in the region in the number of dengue cases this year.

Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said one of the reasons why they are seeing an increase in dengue cases was due to the rainy conditions, pointing out that the province only experienced a short dry season.

Diaz also said their campaign against dengue is still ongoing and they are challenging the Provincial Health Office to further strengthen its coordination with the 31 city and municipal health offices all over the province.

He said he wants to see the local government units maintain their cleanliness, pointing out that there is no better way in fighting dengue but applying the 4S principle versus dengue which is to search and destroy mosquito breeding places, secure self-protection from mosquito bite, seek early consultation when signs and symptoms of dengue occur, and say “yes” to fogging as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.

Dengue causes a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal.

According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea / vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.

For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./DGB, WDJ