- GILBERT BAYORAN
Dengue cases in 31 component cities and towns of Negros Occidental reached 986, from January to Sept. 2 this year, which is 76.93 percent lower than the 3,124 cases logged in the same period last year.
However, Negros Occidental logged six deaths, with the one-to-10 years old age group having the most number of cases, according to a report of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), headed by Dr. Girlie Pinongan.
Among the cities and towns in Negros Occidental, San Carlos City logged the most number of cases at 123, with two deaths, the PHO report added.
On the other hand, the City Health Office of Bacolod recorded 355 cases in the same period, with three deaths, although cases dropped by 52.2 percent, compared to the same period last year at 743, with nine mortalities.
The CHO also reported 12 deaths in 67 cases of suspected leptospirosis in Bacolod City.
It also logged a 204.5 percent increase in leptospirosis cases, or from 67 this year compared to 22 last year.
The CHO report further said that 70 percent of such cases has declared exposure or contact with contaminated water or ground.
Most common reason for complications or death was delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection./GB
