Increase in Dengue Cases in Negros Occidental Not Alarming – PHO

Bacolod City (PNA) — The Provincial Health Office (PHO) said the increase in dengue cases in Negros Occidental from January to August this year is not alarming.

“The cases could not be considered alarming because it has not reached the threshold level,” said Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer.

The PHO issued the statement even as dengue during the first eight months of this year went up to 724 cases or by 80.84 percent as compared to the same period in 2014 of 428.

PHO records showed that the areas with most number of cases are Bago City, 99; Silay City, 78; Victorias City, 70; La Carlota City, 57; Isabela, 42; La Castellana, 28; and Cauayan, 25.

Tumimbang said that the highest dengue cases in the province was recorded in 2008 with more than 4,000 cases.

The PHO chief appealed to Negrenses to maintain cleanliness inside the house and in their surroundings to destroy possible breeding places of the mosquitoes that transmit the dengue virus.

He also reminded patients having symptoms of dengue to immediately see a doctor to avoid complications and death.

“We cannot totally eliminate mosquito breeding places especially stagnant water but we should see to it that we maintain cleanliness,” Tumimbang added. (PNA) FFC/NLG/TDE