By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported a 75.32 percent increase in the number of dengue cases in the province this year.

PHO head Dr. Girlie Pinongan said a total of 1,520 cases were recorded from January 1 to August 3, higher than the 867 cases logged in the same period last year.

Six deaths, mostly children aged one to 10 years old, have been tentatively linked to dengue, PHO data showed.

The cities of Cadiz and Sipalay as well as Hinoba-an town have reported the highest number of dengue cases.

Pinongan stressed that the current figures, while concerning, do not yet constitute an alarming situation compared to previous years.

In response to the surge in cases, local health authorities have implemented directives to establish dedicated dengue “fast lanes” in all health facilities, including hospitals and rural health units across Negros Occidental.

These fast lanes are intended to expedite treatment for dengue patients.

Pinongan reiterated the critical role of public awareness and participation in dengue prevention efforts.

She also emphasized the importance of eliminating mosquito-breeding sites and adopting personal protective measures like using insect repellents, and wearing long-sleeve clothes to minimize exposure to mosquito bites.

Earlier, the PHO advised chief executives in local government units to set up sanitation interventions to prevent dengue cases from surging further./JB, WDJ