By JEN BAYLON

The death toll from dengue in Negros Occidental has reached 13, the latest data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed yesterday.

PHO head Girlie Pinongan reported that from January 1 to September 28, the province recorded 4,400 dengue cases, with the majority of affected individuals are children aged one to 10 years old.

Pinongan also noted a staggering 272.57 percent increase in the number of cases.

The province recorded 1,181 dengue cases in the same period last year, Pinongan said.

Bago City topped the list of local government units with the highest number of cases, with 437.

It is followed by Hinoba-an town with 345 cases, San Carlos City (324), Kabankalan City (289), Talisay City (283), Sagay City (282), Sipalay City (263), Cadiz City (250), Silay City (244), and Cauayan town (217).

The PHO continues to urge residents to remain vigilant against dengue.

Symptoms such as fever, vomiting or rashes should prompt immediate consultation with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment./JB, WDJ