The number of dengue cases in Negros Oriental has continued to decline this year, a trend attributed to heightened public awareness and intensified efforts to combat the viral disease.

Provincial Health Officer (PHO) chief Dr. Liland Estacion told the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, October 9, that the downward slope began early this year, following a steep incline last year due to the “epidemic” season.

“People are more aware of their surroundings, eradicating mosquito breeding places and cleaning spaces that are conducive for mosquitoes to thrive,” Estacion said.

Health authorities and local governments are also undertaking relentless interventions and education drives against dengue, such as distributing chemically treated curtains and mosquito nets.

Records at the PHO showed that as of October 2025, a total of 1,574 dengue cases were reported with two deaths.

This is a sharp contrast to the 5,677 cases and 10 deaths reported throughout the entire year of 2024.

Estacion expressed optimism that there is no possibility that dengue cases will rise significantly until the end of this year, as the dengue season is already considered over.

As of the latest morbidity week report (October 4), the PHO reported that Siaton had the highest number of dengue cases at 219, followed by Mabinay (178), Dumaguete City (141), Tanjay City (140), Bayawan City (114), and Guihulngan City (103).

The two deaths this year were a 12-year-old boy from Mabinay and an 18-year-old girl from Tanjay City, who died due to dengue septic shock. (PNA)