• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The death toll from dengue in Negros Occidental has risen to 16, as reported cases soared to 5,528 as of Nov. 2, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Dengue cases from January to Nov. 2 this year have increased by 322.33 percent, or 4,219 cases, compared to 1,309 cases in the same period last year.
The PHO logged 5,338 cases in Negros Occidental from January to October 26 this year, marking an increase of 331.16 percent compared to 1,292 cases in the same period in 2023.
Bago City remains at the top of the list with the most dengue cases at 644, although no fatalities have been reported.
On the other hand, the City Health Office reported a 321 percent increase in dengue cases in Bacolod City, from 493 last year to 2,077 cases, with three deaths, covering the period from January to Oct. 26 this year.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan noted that the number of dengue cases in the province has slowly decreased in recent weeks.
Pinongan added that the PHO continues to collaborate with barangays, especially those with dengue-related deaths, advocating for the cleaning of identified mosquito breeding grounds, among other measures.
Among the top 10 Negros Occidental local government units (LGUs), excluding highly urbanized Bacolod City, with the most dengue cases, San Carlos trailed Bago with 424 cases; Hinobaan, 405; Sagay City, 345; Talisay City, 338; Kabankalan City, 333; Silay City, 330; Cauayan, 329; Cadiz City, 301; and Sipalay City, 227. The age group with the most dengue cases is between 11 to 20 years old. | GB
