By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) has reported a 151.88 percent increase in the number of dengue cases in the province this year.

PHO’s Morbidity Week No. 33 report shows a total of 2,408 dengue cases have been recorded as of August 17, higher than 956 cases logged in the same period in 2023.

Hinoba-an town recorded the highest number of dengue cases with 250.

It was followed by Sipalay City (213 cases, one death), Bago City (160), Kabankalan City (156), Talisay City (152), Silay City (146), Sagay City (145), San Carlos City (136), Cadiz City (131), and Cauayan town (125).

A total of six deaths due to dengue have been recorded this year.

The most affected age group is children between one and 10 years old.

The PHO emphasizes that these numbers are subject to change, pending the inclusion of delayed reports and verification of cases.

Local health authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and to participate in ongoing anti-dengue initiatives, such as the 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, self-protection measures, seek early consultation, and support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas where an increase in cases is registered.

Community cooperation and heightened awareness are critical in combating the spread of dengue as the province faces this alarming rise in cases./JB, WDJ