By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported a 296.83 percent increase in the number of dengue cases in the province in the first three weeks of the year.

A total of 250 dengue cases were recorded from January 1 to January 18, higher than the 63 cases reported during the same period in 2024.

Bago City has the highest number of dengue cases, with 58, PHO data showed.

It is followed by San Carlos City with 20 cases, Kabankalan City (19), Pulupandan town (15), Silay City (13), Valladolid town (11), La Carlota City (10), Cadiz City (nine), Hinigaran town (eight), and Escalante City (six).

The PHO recorded two dengue-related deaths during the period.

Meanwhile, dengue cases in 2024 revealed an alarming total of 6,799, a 354.48 percent increase compared to 2023, when only 1,496 cases were documented.

Twenty-two dengue-related deaths were logged last year, with the majority of cases affecting children aged one to 10 years old.

Bago City recorded the highest number of cases last year with 1,042, and one death.

Other localities with high case counts include San Carlos City (552 cases), Hinoba-an town (424 cases) and Silay City (412 cases).

Health authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and practice preventive measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using insect repellents, and ensuring early consultation for fever and other symptoms of dengue./JB, WDJ