Dengue cases in province now at 800

The number of dengue cases in the province of Negros Occidental – excluding Bacolod City, is now at 800, from January 1 to May 28 based on data released by the Department of Health (DOH6) in Western Visayas this morning.

The DOH-6 report for Morbidity Week #21 indicated that the province has recorded 105 new cases as of May 28.

Total number of cases is up by 357 percent compared to the same period last year.

Deaths, however, remain at five since January 1. The province still has the highest number of cases in the region with Antique province coming in second with a 216 percent increase, and Iloilo province at third with an increase of 116 percent.

Bacolod City, meanwhile, remains at 139 cases as of May 28 with no new cases recorded.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said he had emphasized to Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Ernell Tumimbang that their preventive measures against dengue should have been in place since January.

“Ngaa nag lambot sa amo ni when the budget has been there since January 1,” Diaz pointed out.

However, Diaz said the PHO is now doubling their efforts to catch up and are currently visiting areas in the province where clustering of dengue cases have been reported.

Dengue causes a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes.

According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea / vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rashes.

For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness.* (DGB)