Shadow

PRC calls for collective campaign vs. alarming rise in dengue cases

The Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental – Bacolod City Chapter is intensifying its efforts to combat the alarming rise in dengue cases in Negros Occidental.

“Our campaign focuses on raising awareness about dengue prevention, emphasizing the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and promoting cleanliness in homes and communities,” the PRC said.

Dengue cases in Negros Occidental have risen by 296.83 percent in the first 18 days of 2025, with two dengue related deaths recorded, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported on Friday, Jan. 24.

Provincial Health Officer Ma. Girlie Pinongan said there were 250 reported dengue cases from Jan 1 to 18, an increase by 187 cases compared to 63 cases in the same period last year.

The PRC said by regularly cleaning gutters, disposing of stagnant water, and covering water containers, “we can collectively stop the spread of the disease”.

It also encouraged everyone to familiarize themselves with dengue symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, rashes, and muscle pain, and to seek medical attention promptly if needed.

“Let us unite to protect our families and communities. Together, we can fight dengue and save lives,” the PRC said.

The Negros Occidental PHO on Friday also advised the public to be aware of the increasing cases of dengue in the province.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is an acute viral infection that affect infants, young children, and adults. It is transmitted by a day-biting mosquitoes called Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, it said.

These mosquitoes lay eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires. The adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house, the PHO said.

Signs and symptoms of dengue include the sudden onset of high fever, which may last from 2 to 7 days, joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes, weakness, skin rashes, nose bleeding when fever starts to subside, abdominal pain, vomiting of coffee-colored matter, dark-colored stools and difficulty of breathing, the PHO advisory said.

Do not give aspirin for fever, the PHO said.

Give a sufficient amount of water or rehydrate a dengue suspect, and if fever or symptoms persist for two or more days, bring the patient to the nearest hospital, the PHO added.*

Secured By miniOrangeSecured By miniOrange