By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) observed a significant decline in dengue cases for the first three months of this year.

As of PHO’s Morbidity Week 13 report, from January 4 to April 4, a total of 500 cases have been reported across the province.

This marks a 68.45 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, where 1,585 cases were recorded — a difference of 1,085 fewer cases.

Despite the overall decline, the province has recorded three dengue-related deaths.

Bago City and Kabankalan City each reported one fatality.

Geographically, Bago City has the highest number of reported cases at 50, followed closely by La Carlota City with 49 and San Carlos City with 48.

Rounding out the Top 10 areas with the most cases are Cadiz City with 36, Sagay City with 33, Kabankalan City with 32, Silay City with 28, Isabela with 27, Manapla with 23, and Talisay City with 18.

Notably, 30 out of 31 local government units have recorded at least one suspected case, indicating that the virus remains present throughout the province.

Dengue cases have been reported across a wide age range, from infants as young as zero up to 87 years old.

However, the age group most affected is children aged one to 10 years old.

The PHO emphasized that the data is subject to change as delayed reports are submitted and cases are verified./CJ, WDJ