By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY—The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Negros Occidental reported a sharp increase in dengue cases, logging two deaths as of Jan. 18.
The PHO advisory, released on Friday, recorded 250 cases from Jan. 1 to 18, marking a 296.83 percent surge compared to 63 cases during the same period in 2023.
Bago City recorded the highest number of cases with 58, followed by San Carlos City with 20, Kabankalan City with 19, Pulupandan with 15, and Silay City with 13. Valladolid logged 11 cases, La Carlota City reported 10, Cadiz City had 9, and both Hinigaran and Escalante City reported 6 cases each.
The most affected age group ranges from 11 to 20 years old, according to the report.
Dengue is caused by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with one of the four dengue viruses and affects individuals across all age groups, including infants, children, and adults.
The PHO has urged the public to follow the “4S” strategy to prevent the disease:
- Search and destroy mosquito breeding places.
- Secure self-protection from mosquito bites.
- Seek early consultation if symptoms occur.
- Say yes to fogging in areas with an impending outbreak.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation while intensifying efforts to mitigate the spread of the disease.
