There are now 800 dengue cases in Negros Occidental since the start of the year after the Department of Health–Western Visayas reported 105 new cases in the province from May 22 to 28.
The 800 cases from January to May 28 indicate an increase of 357 percent, compared to the same period last year, the DOH WV records show.
While there was no new case in Bacolod from May 22 to 28, the highly urbanized city logged 139 dengue cases, with four deaths, since the start of the year, or an increase of 70 percent compared to last year.
Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, said that Negros Occidental has not yet reach the epidemic level threshold, despite the surging of dengue cases in the first six months of 2022, except for Hinigaran.
Tumimbang said the PHO recommends fogging and spraying all over Hinigaran, and conducting cleanup drive every Friday, including spraying of larvicides on stagnant water.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said that the PHO should have implemented preventive measures against dengue since January since the budget was already available.
Tumimbang explained that the distribution of anti-dengue chemicals was not delayed as they prioritized areas with clustering of dengue cases.
He said they are closely monitoring other areas with low number of dengue cases.
Based on the DOH-6 report for Morbidity Week #21, Negros Occidental remains on top among provinces and highly-urbanized cities in Western Visayas with the highest number of dengue cases.
Tumimbang said they are encouraging LGUs to purchase their own larvicides as the provincial and national government cannot provide for all.
All over Western Visayas, the DOH recorded 297 new cases, bringing to 2,065 the number of dengue cases, compared to 828 in the previous year./GB
