• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Provincial Health Office reported an increase of 1,309 dengue cases, with seven deaths in Negros Occidental, as of April 19, compared to 383 cases in the same period last year.
The total dengue cases reported from January to April 19 this year was 1,692, an increase of 341.78 percent, PHO records showed.
Despite the increase in dengue cases, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan, however said the number of fatalities went down compared to last year.
As of April 5, the City Health Office reported 301 dengue cases, including two fatalities, in the highly urbanized city of Bacolod.
The component city of Bago still topped the 31 local government units of Negros Occidental in terms of number of cases at 333.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause a sudden, high fever, often as high as 104°F (40°C).
Among its common symptoms include headaches, intense pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash.*
