• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
After a surge of dengue cases in the province of Negros Occidental in the month of July, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan said yesterday that cases have been gradually declining in August.
Pinongan said in an interview that the last surge of cases was recorded in July; however, from August until now, cases have been gradually dropping.
Based on the statistics by the PHO, as of August 30, the increase of cases dropped to 9.26 percent from the 421 percent increase recorded on July 19, compared to the same period last year.
The records show a gradual but constant decline of dengue cases in the province. This was the result of the continuous reminders and mandate of the PHO to every local government unit to maintain a clean community, Pinongan said.
Bago City remains first in the province in terms of the number of dengue cases with 1017. La Carlota City followed with 397, while Kabankalan had 381, San Carlos had 222, and Isabela recorded 196.
Records revealed that all 31 LGUs within the province have at least 1 suspected dengue case.
As of August 30, nine deaths related to dengue were recorded in the province, with Isabela recording the most with 2 deaths. Other deaths were recorded in the cities of Bago, San Carlos, Silay, and the municipality of Hinigaran.
“Not all of the cases are pediatric; however, most of the cases are school children,” Pingongan added.
Despite the gradual drop of cases, Pingongan is still urging the public to consult a doctor if they are experiencing dengue-related symptoms like high fever, rashes, vomiting, and body pains for early detection.
The PHO is reminding the public to avoid the presence of dirty and stagnant water, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, to avoid being infected by dengue.
Total dengue cases recorded in the province from January 1 to August 30 is 4,296.*
