By JEN BAYLON
The number of dengue cases in Negros Occidental spiked to 4,922, as of October 12, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported yesterday.
This is 295 percent higher than the 1,246 cases recorded in the same period in 2023, PHO’s Morbidity Week No. 41 report showed.
The local government units with the most number of cases include Bago City, with 534 cases, followed by Hinoba-an town (392) and San Carlos City (372).
The cities of Sagay, Kabankalan, Cadiz, Sipalay, and Silay also recorded the most number of cases, with at least one death each.
The province has recorded 14 fatalities due to dengue so far.
The age group most affected by dengue is 11- to 20-year-olds, though the cases span a wide age range, from infants to the elderly, from zero to 92 years old.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging communities to strengthen efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites to help prevent further spread of the virus.
Local health officials continue to remind the residents to implement the 4S strategy against dengue, which includes:
* Search and destroy mosquito-breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and containers
* Self-protection measures like applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants
* Seek early consultation with a doctor or health worker for any symptoms
* Support fogging or spraying in a local hotspot or outbreak areas where an increase in cases is registered
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