• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is now focusing its anti-dengue campaign on the 10 towns and cities with the highest number of cases among the local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental.
PHO data indicated an increase of 7.55 percent, with 712 cases during the period January to June 29 this year, compared to 662 cases for the same period in 2023.
It also logged three dengue-related deaths in the first six months of 2024.
Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, said on Friday (July 5) that they have recorded more dengue case admissions in Hinobaan town and Sipalay City.
The top 10 LGUs with the highest number of dengue cases are Hinobaan with 70; Sipalay City, 64 cases and one death; Cadiz City, 63; San Carlos City, 53; Silay City and Cauayan, 46 each; Kabankalan City, 43; Talisay City, 33; Victorias City, 32; and Sagay City, 30.
Pinongan said that they have already informed the concerned LGUs and their respective local chief executives to initiate interventions aimed at preventing dengue cases through sanitation.
The age-group with the most number of cases range from one to 10 years old.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Health Office logged 179 dengue cases, indicating a 19.7 percent decrease from last year’s 223 cases for the same period.
Dengue fever often causes epidemics in the rainy season months. | GB
