By JEN BAYLON
The number of deaths due to dengue in Negros Occidental has risen to 10, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said yesterday.
PHO head Girlie Pinongan said the latest dengue fatality was a resident of Cadiz City.
Based on PHO’s Morbidity Week No. 37 report as of September 14, the total number of dengue cases reached 3,851, which is 244.76 percent higher than the 1,117 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Bago City has the highest number of cases with 369.
It is followed by Hinoba-an town with 325 cases, San Carlos City (262), Sipalay City (250 cases with one death), Talisay City (250), Kabankalan City (249), Sagay City (248), Cadiz City (218 cases with one death), Silay City (210 cases with one death), and Cauayan town (201).
Most of the cases were children aged one to 10 years old.
Pinongan said dengue cases in the province have declined in the past weeks, but increased again due to the rainy weather.
The PHO continues to monitor the situation closely and reminds the public to take necessary precautions to prevent its spread amid the rainy season, a period commonly associated with a rise in dengue cases.
The increase in cases underscores the seriousness of the outbreak, with cases affecting individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.
Provincial health officials are urging residents to strengthen dengue prevention measures, including eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and seeking prompt medical attention for early signs of infection.
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