By JEN BAYLON

As the rainy season has just started, the Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) is gearing up for a possible surge in dengue cases.

This comes after 519 cases were recorded in the province from January 1 to June 8 this year, based on data from the Department of Health-Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-WV CHD).

Three dengue-related deaths were recorded during the period.

PHO head Girlie Pinongan said during the rainy season, an increase in dengue cases is expected.

“It’s crucial that residents should take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the disease,” Pinongan said.

Residents are reminded to take proactive steps against dengue by ensuring their surroundings are clean and free of mosquito breeding sites.

The DOH-WV CHD recorded 3,482 dengue cases with nine deaths in Western Visayas during the period, which is 22 percent higher than the 2,855 cases logged last year.

Iloilo province recorded the highest number of cases at 1,128 with four deaths, followed by Aklan at 553 with one fatality.

Bea Camille Natalaray, DOH-WV CHD program coordinator for emerging and re-emerging infectious disease cluster, said they recorded dengue cases throughout the year, noting that it is no longer seasonal.

Water not properly stored during the recent El Niño phenomenon became a breeding place for mosquitoes.

Natalaray said the DOH is preparing for a possible increase in dengue cases this rainy season as there will be more breeding places.

The DOH-WV CHD advocates the 4S strategy against dengue.

This includes search and destroy, seek early consultation, self-protection, and say yes to fogging and spraying. / With reports from PNA / JB, WDJ