By CESAR JOLITO III

Dengue cases in Bacolod City have surged to 671 this year, marking a 35 percent increase compared to the 497 cases recorded in the same period last year, the City Health Office (CHO) said.

Seventeen new dengue cases were recorded from July 27 to August 2, based on CHO’s monitoring report covering Morbidity Week 31.

While the number of infections continues to rise, the death toll remains at four — one each from Barangays Alijis, Mansilingan, Vista Alegre, and Handumanan.

Mansilingan recorded the highest number of cases at 68, followed by Taculing with 55, Tangub with 45, Estefania with 44, and Vista Alegre with 36.

CHO reiterated its call for residents to destroy all possible mosquito breeding sites inside and outside their homes.

“The most effective way to prevent dengue is to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes lay eggs,” the CHO stressed.

The public is also advised to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fever, rashes and muscle pain occur.

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) confirmed that dengue has claimed another life in the province, raising the death toll to eight as of August 2.

The latest PHO data showed that dengue cases reached 3,813 from January 1 to August 2 this year — an increase of 1,466 cases or 62.46 percent compared to the 2,347 recorded during the same period in 2024.

Bago City remains the hardest-hit area, with 898 reported cases, including one death.

Health officials warn that the spike poses a serious threat, especially with the onset of the rainy season./CJ, WDJ