By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) reported a significant decline in dengue cases in the city for the first five months of 2026, even as leptospirosis cases showed a notable increase.

Based on CHO surveillance data from January to May 2, dengue cases dropped by 51.3 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

Only 165 cases were recorded this year, with no fatalities reported.

This is a significant improvement from the 339 cases logged in 2025, which included two deaths.

Health officials also noted that during Morbidity Week No. 17, only one dengue case was recorded in the city, indicating a continuing downward trend.

Despite the improvement, the CHO continues to remind residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical consultation if symptoms such as fever, body aches and rashes appear, as early detection remains critical in preventing complications.

In contrast, leptospirosis cases have risen sharply in the city.

The CHO recorded 14 cases of leptospirosis as of the latest data, marking a 133.3 percent increase from the six cases reported in 2025, which included two deaths.

For this year, three of the 14 confirmed leptospirosis cases have resulted in fatalities, raising concern among health authorities amid continued exposure risks, particularly in flood-prone and contaminated areas.

The CHO is urging the public to avoid contact with floodwaters, wear protective footwear in high-risk areas, and maintain proper sanitation practices to prevent infection.

Health officials emphasized that while dengue control efforts appear to be effective this year, the rise in leptospirosis highlights the need for sustained public awareness and environmental sanitation measures./CJ, WDJ