By Jen Baylon
Negros Occidental has recorded a sharp increase in the number of dengue cases this year, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said.
Latest PHO data showed a total of 3,234 dengue cases were recorded as of August 31, a 214.29 percent increase compared to 1,029 cases logged in the same period in 2023.
Nine deaths due to dengue were recorded this year, reflecting the need for increased public health measures, especially in high-risk areas.
The age group most affected by dengue is children one to 10 years old, data showed.
Hinoba-an town recorded the highest number of dengue cases with 312 cases.
It was followed by Bago City (274 cases), Sipalay City (234 cases and one death), Talisay City (208), Sagay City (199), San Carlos City (198), Kabankalan City (196), Silay City (186 cases and one death), Cadiz City (179), and Cauayan town (171).
The PHO continues to monitor the situation closely and reminds the public to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of dengue amid the rainy season, a period commonly associated with a rise in dengue cases.
Meanwhile, in capital Bacolod City, the City Health Office (CHO) recorded 81 new dengue cases, bringing the total number to 875 this year.
This is 139.7 percent higher compared to the same period in 2023, which had 380 cases.
Three deaths due to dengue have been recorded this year, the CHO said.
Barangay Taculing has the highest number of dengue cases this year with 103.
It was followed by Barangay Bata (89), Estefania (63), Villamonte (62), Mansilingan and Granada (50 each), Mandalagan (43), Sum-ag (42), Alijis (40), Banago (34), and Tangub (33).
Local health authorities are encouraging residents to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and avoid stagnant water, where dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed.
The rise in cases is a reminder of the continued threat posed by dengue, and the need for vigilance and preventive actions in affected areas.
Health officials are urging the public to report any symptoms of dengue — such as fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and rashes — as early detection is crucial in preventing fatalities.
The Department of Health encourages the public to observe the 4S strategy to combat dengue, which stands for: search and destroy breeding areas; self-protection; say yes to fogging and indoor residual spraying in areas where cases are increasing; and seek early medical consultation if the fever persists for two days.
Dengue is spread by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, and causes a severe flu-like illness that can sometimes be fatal.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees Celsius) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea/vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.
For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./JB, WDJ