There were 139 new dengue cases in Negros Occidental last week, Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, Provincial Health Officer, reported on Friday, March 7.
The news cases as of March 1 or Morbidity Week 9 brought the total number of those recorded in Negros Occidental this year to 1,151 with six deaths, she said.
This is 339.99 percent higher or 818 cases more compared to the 233 in the same period last year.
Pinongan said they have been expecting an increase in the mosquito-borne dengue cases this year, which is why they have been campaigning for cleanliness and for the removal of dengue breeding places.
Dengue transmission is cyclic and large outbreaks occur every 3 to 4 years.
Dengue fast lanes have been activated at health facilities in Negros Occidental but so far there are no large number of patients admitted at hospitals, she said.
Persons with dengue symptoms such as fever, fatigue, rashes should immediately consult a doctor, she said.*