BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As Western Visayas reaches the 5,000 mark in dengue cases at the start of the third quarter, Negros Occidental remains on top of the provinces and highly urbanized cities in the region, having the highest number of dengue cases as of July 8, according to a report of the Department of Health regional office.
From June 26 to July 2, DOH-Western Visayas recorded 574 more dengue cases in the region, increasing the number to 5,057 cases, with 31 deaths, in the past six months of the year, compared to 1,034 cases during the same period last year.
DOH-WV records further showed that 38 percent of the victims had ages from one to 10 years old.
Dengue symptoms include sudden onset of fever that lasts from two to seven days. Victims may experience headache, body weaknesses, loss of appetite and vomiting.
The DOH reminded the public to practice the 4S behaviors for the fight against dengue: Search and destroy breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas, especially during the rainy season.
Dengue cases in Negros Occidental reached 1,869 cases with 10 deaths, an increase of 777 percent, compared to the same period last year.
Antique trails behind Negros Occidental with 1,409 cases, followed by Iloilo province – 840, Capiz- 299, Bacolod City – 269, Aklan -198, Iloilo City -113 and Guimaras with 60.
Of the seven newly-reported dengue-related fatalities, Negros Occidental and Iloilo provinces had three each, and one from Bacolod City*
