By JEN BAYLON
More than 200 dengue cases have been recorded in Negros Occidental in just one week, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed yesterday.
Based on PHO’s Morbidity Week No. 40 report, from September 29 to October 5, 273 new cases were added to the total of 4,673 cases recorded since January 1.
This marks a staggering 286.20 percent increase, higher than the 1,210 cases recorded in the same period in 2023.
The number of dengue-related deaths remains at 13, data added.
Bago City leads the list of local government units with the highest number of dengue cases, with 476 and no recorded deaths.
It is followed by Hinoba-an town with 353 cases, San Carlos City (350) and Sagay City (314 with one death).
Other cities with notable case numbers include the cities of Kabankalan (302), Talisay (303) and Sipalay (264).
Most of the cases were children aged one to 10 years old.
Meanwhile, capital Bacolod City has also reported a spike in dengue cases.
Based on the Morbidity Week No. 39 report from the City Health Office (CHO), 1,694 cases were recorded as of September 28.
This is higher by 280.7 percent compared to the same period in 2023, when there were only 445 cases.
Barangay Taculing recorded the most cases, with 206.
It is followed by Barangay Bata with 152 cases, Mansilingan and Estefania (129 each), Mandalagan and Alijis (84 each), Tangub (79), Granada (74), Sum-ag (72), Cabug and Singcang-Airport (68 each), and Banago (64).
There have been four probable deaths due to dengue, with fatalities reported in Barangay Estefania, Sum-ag and Granada, CHO data also showed.
Children aged one to 10 years old make up the largest portion of dengue cases in Bacolod, with 286.
The sharp rise in dengue cases across Negros Occidental and Bacolod City is a growing concern for health authorities, who are urging the public to practice preventive measures, such as removing stagnant water, using mosquito repellent and ensuring that homes are mosquito-free.
Local government units are ramping up their campaigns to control the spread of dengue, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to avoid further fatalities./JB, WDJ