• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Dengue deaths in Negros Occidental, not including highly urbanized Bacolod City, have risen to 10, as cases also increased by 244.76 percent, according to reports of the Provincial Health Office.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan reported that fatalities are mostly minors and school aged children.
Pinongan also noted that the fatalities were mostly late in consulting with doctors.
From January to September 14 this year, PHO recorded 3,851 dengue cases, an increase of 244.76 percent, compared to 1,117 cases in 2023.
Bago City had the most dengue cases with 369, Hinoba-an – 325, San Carlos City – 262, Sipalay City and Talisay City both have 249 cases each, Kabankalan City – 250, Sagay City -248, Cadiz City – 218, Silay City -210, and Cauayan – 201.
The DOH is prioritizing dengue prevention through the use of anti-mosquito and anti-larva equipment, including spraying tools, which local government units can request from their respective regional offices.
The health agency also advised the public to wear long sleeves and apply insect repellent as protection against Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, which primarily bite during the day and are responsible for spreading dengue.*
