By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH-6) reported yesterday that Iloilo City has now tied with Negros Occidental in the number of new dengue cases in the region.

Based on data from DOH-6 Center for Health Development, both Negros Occidental and Iloilo City recorded 12 new dengue cases for Morbidity Week No. 5.

The data covers from January 29 to February 4, with 58 newly-reported cases for the entire region, bringing the total to 569.

The total number of cases increased by 172 percent, compared to 209 cases recorded in the same period last year.

Negros Occidental still has the highest number of dengue cases in the region with 150, followed by Antique with 64, and Aklan with 81 dengue cases.

Aklan also recorded the highest increase in dengue cases this year.

DOH-6 also recorded three new fatalities, bringing the total death toll to seven./DGB, WDJ