• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported six dengue-related deaths in Negros Occidental in the first 45 days of the year, or an increase of 387.93 percent.
PHO logged 849 dengue cases from January to Feb. 15 this year, an increase of 675 cases, compared to 174 cases in the same period of 2024.
In highly urbanized Bacolod City, the City Health Office recorded 124 dengue cases, compared to 64 cases in the same period last year, with zero deaths.
Among the 31 cities and towns in Negros Occidental, Bago City logged the most number of dengue cases with 186, followed by Kabankalan City with 66 cases.
Other local government units that recorded high cases are: San Carlos City with 61; La Carlota City, 56; Silay City, 44; Talisay City and Cauayan with 36 each, Pulupandan, 35; Hinigaran, 28; and Isabela with 27 cases.
The Department of Health reminded the public to intensify dengue control measures, emphasizing the need to search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging in hotspot areas.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, primarily transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and skin rash.
In severe cases, the disease can progress to life-threatening conditions marked by severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, blood in bodily excretions, and breathing difficulties. | GB
