BACOLOD City – The number of dengue patients is rising in Negros Occidental, said Provincial Health Office (PHO).
PHO’s latest report showed a 73-percent increase in dengue cases from January to June this year with a total of 2,800, higher compared to last year’s 1,600 during the same period.
Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, PHO head, described the situation as “alarming.”
PHO data also showed the areas with high dengue cases, which include cities of Kabankalan, San Carlos, Bago, Cadiz, and the town Cauayan.
The PHO already recorded 20 dengue-related deaths this year.
Cadiz City had the highest number of fatalities followed by the cities of Escalante, San Carlos and the town of Candoni.
Tumimbang advised the public to always maintain cleanliness in their community especially this rainy season to destroy any possible nesting grounds for mosquitoes.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albpictus and Aedes egypti) that live and breed and clean, stagnant water.
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 rash.
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./PN
Good way to stay updated in my home town and Province!
Good way to stay updated in my home town and Province! Very accurate and reliable!