Dengue cases in Negros Occidental decreased by 41 percent in the first five months of 2023 compared to the same period last year, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported on Tuesday, June 6.
There were 509 cases reported in the first 21 weeks of 2023, which is 41.43 percent or 360 cases less than in the same period last year with 869 cases, the PHO reported.
It also said that San Carlos City had the highest recorded dengue cases in the first five months of 2023 with 74.
Acting Provincial Health Officer Girlie Pinongan attributed the drop in dengue case in Negros Occidental to the intensified campaign against the viral infection in the communities.
Maybe the public has also realized that dengue can be prevalent both in wet and dry seasons, which is why mitigating activities have been conducted year-round, she said.
Pinongan said with the recent rains, Negrenses are reminded to always clean their surroundings and remove stagnant water that could be possible breeding areas for dengue carrying mosquitoes.
If one has early symptoms of dengue, one must immediately go to the nearest health center to seek help, she said.
Pinongan also said that as the national government celebrates National Dengue Awareness Month this June, activities will be held in Negros Occidental cities and towns as they intensify their drive against dengue.
June was declared Dengue Awareness Month through Proclamation No. 1204 in 1998 to highlight how prevention and control of dengue would require collaborative efforts among national and local government agencies as well as non-government organizations.*