BACOLOD City – Dengue cases in Negros Occidental, including its capital Bacolod City, are still on the rise despite the rising heat index being experienced this month.
From January 1 to March 15, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded a total of 1,338 cases – 395.56 percent higher than the 270 cases logged in the same period last year.
Bago City registered the most number of cases at 265.
Dengue-related deaths, meanwhile, remained at six. These were listed in the towns of Ilog, Isabela, Manapla, and Murcia, and the cities of San Carlos and Silay, PHO added.
In Bacolod City, data from the City Health Office (CHO) showed that dengue cases reached 233 with one death as of March 8. This is 164.8 percent higher compared to last year in the same period with 88 cases and no fatality.
Among the barangays with the highest cases are Tangub (20); Alijis, Estefania, and Mansilingan (18 each); Villamonte (16); Taculing (15); and Mandalagan and Singcang-airport (14 each).
Local health authorities reminded the public anew to always observe cleanliness in their surroundings and continue to practice the 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection measures, seek early consultation, and support fogging.
The city and municipal health offices across Negros Occidental further encouraged everyone to participate in the Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign of the Department of Health (DOH).
“We invite everyone to join ‘Alas-Kwatro Kontra Mosquito’ and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Let us work together to prevent dengue through the 4 o’clock habit of overturning, draining, drying, and covering water containers,” the DOH stated in its earlier advisory.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted through bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Its signs and symptoms include the sudden onset of high fever which may last from two to seven days, joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes, weakness, and skin rashes, among others.
On the other hand, as of March 19, the PHO reported three typhoid-related deaths.
It has so far logged 344 typhoid fever cases, 78 of which were recorded in Kabankalan City.
Following this, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson advised the public to boil their drinking water to prevent the spread of the disease.
Typhoid fever is an infectious disease which is also known as enteric fever or just typhoid.
Caused by salmonella typhi bacteria, it transmits through contaminated food and water or through close contact with someone who is infected.
Signs and symptoms include sustained high fever, headache, malaise (weakness), anorexia (loss of appetite), either diarrhea or constipation, and abdominal discomfort./PN
