• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental logged 5,446 dengue cases, including 13 deaths, last year, marking a decrease of 22.88 percent, compared to 2024, records of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
The PHO report indicated that there were 7,250 dengue cases in 2024, lower by 1,804 cases compared to last year.
Children aged 1 to 10 years old accounted for the largest proportion of cases, making them the most vulnerable group.
Despite the overall decline, all 31 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental reported at least one suspected dengue case, underscoring the continued presence of the disease across the province.
Bago City recorded the highest number of cases with 1,141 suspected infections, including one death.
It was followed by La Carlota City with 486 cases and no fatalities, and Kabankalan City with 482 cases, also without deaths.
San Carlos City logged 310 cases and one death while Silay City reported 262 cases, also with one death.
Isabela, with 261 cases, had three deaths, the highest number of dengue-related fatalities among LGUs.
Other areas included Cauayan with 198 cases with no death, Hinigaran with 168 cases with one death, La Castellana and Himamaylan City with 157 and 151 cases, respectively, without deaths.
While the decline in cases is considered a positive development, health authorities urged the public not to be complacent amid persistent transmission risks.
They stressed the need for sustained preventive measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using insect repellents and seeking early medical consultation at the first signs of dengue to prevent severe illness and deaths. | GB
