• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Dengue cases in Negros Occidental have increased by 151.88 percent, eight months into the year, compared to the same period of 2023, according to reports of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
According to its data, the PHO logged 2,408 dengue cases from January to August 17, 2024, compared to 956 cases during the same period last year, registering an increase of 1,452 cases, or 151.88 percent.
PHO also logged six deaths.
Hinobaan ranked first among 31 local government units in Negros Occidental, having the most number of dengue cases at 250, with nine other LGUs, including Sipalay City, Bago City, Kabankalan City, Talisay City, Silay City, Sagay City, San Carlos City, Cadiz City and Cauayan, logging cases in the three digits.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan noted that children – aged one to 10 years old – comprised the bulk of those hospitalized for dengue.
On the other hand, highly urbanized Bacolod City also recorded three deaths, for the period from January to Aug. 10 this year.
The City Health Office logged 602 dengue cases, compared to 347 in the same period last year, registering an increase of 73.5 percent.
Dengue fever outbreaks often occur during the rainy season.*