• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Dengue cases in Negros Occidental increased by 183.62 percent in the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2023, according to the report of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Data showed there were 2,822 dengue cases from January to Aug. 24, 2024, from only 956 cases last year, registering an increase of 1,827 cases.
In highly urbanized Bacolod City, the City Health Office (CHO) logged an increase of 117 percent increase in dengue cases during the same period.
It recorded 794 cases compared to 365 cases in 2023.
The PHO also recorded six deaths in Negros Occidental while the CHO reported three mortalities in Bacolod City.
Hinobaan still ranked first among the 31 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental having the most number of dengue cases at 314.
Nine other LGUs, including Sipalay City, Bago City, Kabankalan City, Talisay City, Silay City, Sagay City, San Carlos City, Cadiz City and Cauayan have three- digit cases as well.
Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, noted that children aged one to 10 years old comprise the bulk of those hospitalized for dengue. | GB
