• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Dengue-related deaths in Negros Occidental have risen to 19 from Jan. 4 to Oct. 3 this year, even as infections dropped by 24.70 percent, Provincial Health Office (PHO) records showed.
The province recorded 3,732 dengue cases during the period, down by 1,224 from 4,956 cases reported during the same period last year.
All 31 local government units in Negros Occidental reported dengue infections, with children aged 1 to 10 years accounting for the highest number of cases.
La Carlota City recorded the highest number of dengue infections in the province, the PHO report showed.
Despite the decline in cases, the increase in fatalities highlights the continuing threat posed by dengue, particularly among children, according to the PHO report. | GPB
