BACOLOD City – The number of dengue cases in this city has significantly increased by 280.7 percent in the first nine months of this year.
From January 1 to September 28, 2024, the City Health Office (CHO) recorded 1,694 cases with four probable deaths, more than thrice the number logged in the same period last year at only 445 cases with three fatalities.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment Sanitation Division, said the spike in dengue cases is due to the rainy season where there is an increase in breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit the dengue virus.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms typically begin three to 14 days after infection and may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.
In severe cases, dengue can develop into more serious conditions, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
Tan appealed to the parents to immediately bring their children to a health facility if they have symptoms like colds, cough, and fever so that proper medical attention will be given.
“Do not neglect their situation because dengue cases are increasing,” said Tan, adding that those most affected by dengue belong to the one to 19-year-old age group.
The CHO advised the public anew to continue practicing the 4S strategy: search and destroy the mosquitos breeding places; self-protection by wearing long sleeves and long pants and using mosquito repellant; seek early treatment; support fogging or spraying.
CHO data showed that among the barangays that recorded the highest number of dengue cases are Taculing (206), Bata (152), Mansilingan (130), Estefania (129), Mandalagan (84), Alijis (84), Tangub (79), Granada (74), Sum-ag (72), Cabug and Singcang-Airport (68 each); and Banago (64)./PN
