By JEN BAYLON

Dengue cases have significantly increased in Negros Occidental this year by 183.62 percent, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed yesterday.

PHO’s Morbidity Week No. 34 showed a total of 2,822 cases were recorded as of August 24, higher than 995 cases logged in the same period last year.

Hinoba-an town recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the province with 314.

It was followed by Sipalay City (222 cases with one death), Bago City (207), Talisay City (182), Kabankalan City (173), Sagay City (173), Silay City (163), Cadiz City (162), San Carlos City (161), and Cauayan town (141).

Six dengue deaths were recorded in the province this year.

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

Health authorities are urging residents to be vigilant and proactive in preventing dengue by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and seeking early medical attention if symptoms arise./JB, WDJ