Dengue cases in Negros Occidental increased by 142.62 percent at the start of 2023, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, Provincial Health Officer, said Friday, February 10.
Negros Occidental recorded 148 dengue cases, including one death, from January 1 to February 4, he said.
During the same period in 2022 the province had 61 dengue cases, including two deaths.
The areas with the highest number of dengue cases this year are San Carlos City with 20, Bago City – 14, Silay City – 14, Cadiz City – 13 and Escalante City – 8.
Tumimbang said they are keeping a close watch on the dengue situation and are taking proactive measures to prevent a further increase in cases, especially since it has been raining lately.
“It’s too early to say that they will further rise, it’s just the first quarter of the year but we should keep a close watch,” he said.
They have standing orders from Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz to take annual proactive measures against dengue, he said.
Dengue is transmitted through a bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes can lay eggs in any space or container that holds clear and stagnant water like a bottle cap, dish dryer, plant axil, gutter, trash can, old rubber tire, the Department of Health said.
The DOH is urging the practice of the 4-S campaign that stands for Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure Self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent, seek early consultation, and support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.
Symptoms of dengue include sudden onset of fever of 2 to 7 days, plus two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes, the DOH added.*
