BACOLOD CITY — Cases of dengue fever in Negros Occidental reached 2,846 from January 1 to July 28 this year, increasing by 54 percent from only 1,848 cases during the same period last year.
The data was based on the latest Dengue Surveillance Report released by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), which also showed 23 deaths in the first seven months of the year. Last year, there were 18 deaths.
The highest number of deaths was reported in Cadiz City with seven.
Among the 31 cities and towns in the province, the most number of dengue cases were recorded in La Carlota City with 313, including two deaths, followed by Kabankalan City with 250 cases, also including two deaths.
Others in the Top 10 with highest cases are Sipalay City, 241 cases, with three deaths; Bago City, 204, with one death; Cadiz City, 158, with seven deaths; Himamaylan City, 153; Hinigaran, 156, with one death; Victorias City, 116; Silay City, 107; and Sagay City, 103.
Also with reported cases are Ilog, 96; San Enrique, 95 with three deaths; La Castellana, 90, with one death; Hinoba-an, 76; Escalante City, 70; E.B. Magalona, 68, with one death; Talisay City, 66; Pontevedra, 64; Cauayan, 63; and San Carlos City 61.
Pulupandan and Valladolid have 37 cases each, also with one death each.
According to the PHO report, Sipalay City has the highest increase in percentage at 2,578 percent — from only nine cases last year to 241 cases this year.
The report did not state the reason for the higher number of cases this year but intermittent rains are known to contribute to the rise in mosquito population. (Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
