By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Dengue cases in the city surged by 355.9 percent in 2024, with a total of 2,617 cases reported from January to December, compared to just 574 cases in 2023.
Barangays with the highest number of cases included Taculing (274), Mansilingan (216), Estefania (188), Bata (182), Villamonte (159), Tangub (142), Mandalagan (138), Alijis (133), Singcang-Airport (126), Sum-ag (116), Banago (100), Cabug and Vista Alegre (97 each), and Granada (92).
Records from the City Health Office (CHO) showed seven deaths in 2024, compared to three deaths recorded in 2023.
The fatalities of probable dengue cases were reported in Barangays Estefania, Sum-ag, Villamonte, and Barangay 16, while three suspected cases were recorded in Barangays Singcang-Airport, Felisa, and Barangay 26.
In response to the spike in cases, the CHO has urged barangays to reactivate the “4 o’clock habit,” which involves cleaning surroundings daily to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and combat dengue in communities.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the Environmental Sanitation Division of the CHO, emphasized the importance of practicing the 4S strategy:
- Search and destroy mosquito breeding areas
- Seek early consultation
- Self-protection measures
- Support spraying and fogging in hotspot areas
The surge in cases highlights the urgent need for sustained community efforts to prevent further outbreaks.
