SUMMARY
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BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Dengue cases in Negros Occidental have increased dramatically, causing alarm to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
Records at the PHO showed that the total number of dengue cases in the province in the first 8 months of the year had increased to 197% compared to the same period in 2015.
From January 1 to August 6 this year, a total of 2,520 dengue cases were reported, while 849 cases were reported last year – an increase of 1,671 cases, the PHO said on Friday, August 12.
Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang said “we’re approaching the epidemic threshold,” as he cited the 17 dengue deaths in the province, including 6 in Bacolod City.
He said that fatalities should not be more than 1% of the total dengue cases. The recent two dengue deaths, from La Carlota City and EB Magalona, were reported over the weekend.
He said that most of the deaths were caused by late referral to the health office.
He said that most of the patients were already in a serious state when they were admitted to the hospital.
He advised the public to bring to the hospital those with suspected dengue symptoms right away so the physician can monitor the patient. Signs of dengue include fever and body malaise, he said.
Most dengue cases in Silay
Silay City has the majority of the cases at 252. Bago City follows with 202 cases.
Other reported cases were in Himamaylan City, 199; Kabankalan City, 196; Cauayan, 165; Talisay City, 164; Isabela, 155; San Carlos City, 127; La Carlota City, 104; and Sipalay City, 89.
Majority of the dengue cases belonged to the age group of 1 to 10-year-olds, followed by 11-20 age group, the report said.
Records showed that 1,362 of the cases affected male patients while 1,158 were females.
Meanwhile, Tumimbang said he would meet with Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr and the concerned local government units for their next action to address the increase of dengue cases in the province.
PHO is planning to implement emergency fogging in local government units with high dengue incidents and to investigate if there are breeding grounds in the barangays.
He reminded the public to keep their surroundings clean to prevent the mosquitoes from breeding.
The Department of Health on Wednesday revealed the 47 barangays (villages) in the country dubbed dengue clusters or “hot zones.” The barangays, located in 9 regions, reported 3 or more dengue cases for the past 4 consecutive weeks. None in Negros Occidental was listed, however. – Rappler.com
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