Dengue cases up by 72% in province, 33% nationwide

‘Be serious in taking preventive measures… cases still increasing’ – DOH

Dengue cases in Negros Occidental rose to 72.32 percent from January to August this year, data from the provincial health office (PHO), showed.

The Department of Health, on the other hand, said there is a 33 percent increase nationwide compared to the same period in 2023.

“Be serious in taking preventive measures… cases are still increasing,” a DOH advisory stressed.

A report from the Negros Occidental PHO showed that during the period, dengue cases logged 1,520 cases. Last year, there were only 867 cases during the same period.

Dr. Gerlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, said on Wednesday that 10 local government units recorded an increase in dengue cases in their localities.

These are Sipalay City, Hinobaan, Kabankalan City, Cadiz City, Cauayan, San Carlos City, Victorias City, Sagay City and Talisay City, Pinongan said, adding that children aged 1 to 10 years old are the usual victims.

District and private hospitals in the ptovince reported an increase in dengue patients, she also said.

Pinongan added that they have put up dengue fast lanes in the different health facilities and hospitals under the provincial government.

DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 128,834 dengue cases as of July 27, a 33 percent increase from the same period in 2023.

The DOH said there were 97,211 cases recorded for the same period last year.

However, dengue deaths recorded this year at 337 is lower compared to last year’s 378 for the same time period.

“The lower number of deaths this year despite the higher number of cases is an indication of people seeking early consultation, and hospitals doing better case management,” the DOH said.

The DOH said dengue cases are still on an uptrend, showing an increase from 12,153 cases recorded from June 16 to 29, to 18,349 cases from June 30 to July 13.

The regions which showed continuous rise in cases in the past six weeks are Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Cagayan Valley, and Calabarzon.* (PNA)