BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Dengue infections in Negros Occidental have decreased by 34.09 percent during the first nine months of the year, although the health department has registered 13 fatalities, local health officials reported.
Data from the Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) spanning January 4 to September 19 showed a total of 3,146 dengue cases, marking a drop of 1,627 infections compared to the 4,773 cases recorded during the same period last year. Children aged 1 to 10 accounted for the highest number of infections.
Cadiz City recorded the highest death toll with three casualties, followed by Bago City with two. Single fatalities were verified in La Carlota City, Silay City, Cauayan, and Kabankalan City, while official details regarding the remaining four deaths are pending release by health authorities.
In terms of overall case counts, La Carlota City registered the highest number at 566 infections, followed by Bago City (236), Silay City (233), Cauayan (182), Talisay City (166), San Carlos City (152), Sagay City (140), Kabankalan City (122), Cadiz City (104), and Manapla (74).
The PHO emphasized the critical role of community-wide sanitation in curbing mosquito breeding sites and urged the public to seek immediate medical attention when symptoms arise.
“No one should die from a disease that can be prevented or treated early, such as dengue,” the PHO stated.
Health officials advised residents to eliminate mosquito larvae by keeping water containers securely covered, replacing vase water weekly, clearing rain gutters of debris, and properly disposing of water-holding trash.
They also recommended wearing long-sleeved clothing, applying mosquito repellent daily, seeking medical consultations if a fever lasts beyond two days alongside skin rashes, and cooperating with local fogging operations during potential outbreaks.