Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he expects a further surge in dengue cases in Negros Occidental in August and September, because of the rainy season.
The Department of Health-Western Visayas said Negros Occidental has 2,096 cases with 10 deaths, from January to July 9 this year, or an increase of 1,863 cases, equivalent to 823 percent, compared to the 233 cases logged in the same period last year.
During a zoom meeting July 22 with city and municipal health officers of the 31 local government units of the province, Lacson said he was informed by the Provincial Health Office of the downward trend in dengue cases in the 10 LGUs that initially have high number of cases.
Bacolod City recorded 293 cases, or an increase of 159 percent, compared to the previous year.
Lacson also said “it appears that city and municipal health officers are not remiss in their duties in the fight against dengue, particularly in awareness campaign.”
He also said that LGUs had allocated budget for the campaign against dengue, as health officers admitted to have received assistance from the provincial government in addressing the situation in their respective areas.
Lacson said he told CHOs and MHOs of his plan to meet with the mayors to ensure that there is a budget for dengue prevention and control every year.
He also reminded the LGUs to activate their respective dengue task forces, which he said will address the problem./GB
