By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental is grappling with a significant rise in the number of dengue cases, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said.
PHO’s Morbidity Week No. 8 data showed that from January 1 to February 22, the province recorded a total of 1,012 dengue cases, a dramatic leap of 421.65 percent from the 194 cases reported during the same period last year.
The surge has resulted in six dengue-related fatalities, underscoring the severity of the outbreak.
The PHO report paints a concerning picture of the geographical spread of the disease, with several localities experiencing a particularly high number of infections.
Bago City currently has the highest number of cases, reporting a staggering 209 cases.
It is followed by La Carlota City with 74 cases, Kabankalan City with 70, San Carlos City with 67, and Silay City with 58.
Cauayan town also logged 46 dengue cases, Pulupandan town had 45, Talisay City had 42, Hinigaran town recorded 36, and Isabela town had 33.
Meanwhile, capital Bacolod City is also grappling with its own surge in dengue cases.
The Bacolod City Health Office reported 156 dengue cases from January 1 to February 15, marking a substantial 147.6 percent increase compared to the 63 cases reported in the same period in 2024.
The alarming increase has prompted urgent calls for heightened vigilance and comprehensive preventative measures across the province.
Dengue is spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are known to be most active during daytime.
The PHO is urging residents to take proactive steps to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by practicing the “4S” strategy, 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 local hotspot or outbreak areas where an increase in cases is registered
Breeding places
Meanwhile, the Department of Health in Western Visayas-Center for Health Development (DOH-WV CHD) stressed the importance of search-and-destroy activities while urging the public to consistently check their surroundings for potential breeding sites for dengue.
Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, medical officer of the DOH-WVCHD’s Infectious Diseases Section, said the surge in cases was attributed to the changing weather patterns, particularly frequent rains that create more mosquito breeding grounds.
Natalaray advised residents to develop the habit of cleaning up their surroundings at 4:00 p.m. daily to eliminate mosquito breeding places.
The DOH-WV CHD launched the Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito campaign on February 24 to reinforce efforts against dengue.
Natalaray also encouraged barangays identified as dengue hotspots to support fogging operations or coordinate with their local government units for assistance./JB, WDJ