Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is calling for an intensified campaign against dengue amid the spike in cases.
“It’s not rocket science to prevent dengue. It’s all about cleaning your community,” Lacson said yesterday.
“If anyone feels sick, especially the children, they should right away have themselves checked at the nearest rural health clinic if it is dengue or not,” he added.
This follows after 250 dengue cases were reported from January 1 to 18, 2025, higher than the 63 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Two dengue-related deaths have been reported as of January 18.
Bago City has the highest number of dengue cases with 58.
It is followed by San Carlos City with 20 cases, Kabankalan City (19), Pulupandan town (15), Silay City (13), Valladolid town (11), and La Carlota City (10).
In 2024, Negros Occidental had 6,799 dengue cases, which were 354.48 percent higher than in 2023, according to data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
There were also 22 dengue-related deaths last year.
The PHO is urging residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to curb the rise of dengue cases.
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./WDJ