Dengue cases in Negros Occidental have further increased by 282 percent compared to last year, which remains the highest in Western Visayas, the Department of Health reported Monday, May 30.
Negros Occidental had 96 new dengue cases from May 15 to 21 bringing its total this year to 657 cases and five deaths.
Bacolod City had 12 new cases from May 15 to 21 for a total of 139 cases this year or an increase of 72 percent from 2021. Bacolod also had four dengue deaths this year, the DOH added.
There were 266 new dengue cases in Western Visayas from May 15 to 21, the highest since January this year, the DOH report said.
There is a 110 percent increase in WV dengue cases at 1,693 this year compared to 808 in 2021. There have also been 20 dengue deaths in WV this year, the DOH said.
The DOH said Negros Occidental still has the highest increase in dengue cases this year at 282 percent followed by Antique – 148 percent, Iloilo province – 77 percent, Guimaras – 75 percent, Bacolod City – 72 percent, Aklan – 32 percent and Capiz – 2 percent.
Only Iloilo City had no increase in cases compared to last year.
To avoid the continuous increase in dengue cases, the DOH reminds the public of the need to practice the 4S behaviors – Search and destroy breeding places, Secure self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas – especially as the country is experiencing the rainy season.
“As the rainy season approaches, many diseases spread – and one of those is dengue. We are taking proactive actions in preventing outbreaks and raising awareness to curb the increase in the number of cases. Rest assured that the DOH is closely monitoring every disease trend, and is well-prepared to respond to any healthcare aid any Juan or Juana may need,” Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, DOH spokesperson, said Monday.