Dr. Socrates Villamor, provincial chief of the Department of Health in Negros Oriental. (File photo by Judy Flores Partlow)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The number of dengue cases in Negros Oriental continues to rise as health authorities and local government units scramble to contain the outbreaks in their communities.
The latest available data of the Department of Health (DOH) in Negros Oriental showed that as of Sept. 7, a total of 3,494 dengue cases were recorded since January 1st, with 16 deaths.
This is 195 percent higher compared to the 1,185 cases and six deaths recorded during the same period last year.
On Friday, Dr. Socrates Villamor, provincial chief of the Department of Health (DOH)-Negros Oriental, said the spike in cases can be considered alarming, noting “that is why a dengue outbreak was declared nationwide by the SOH (Secretary of Health).”
“It is still a cause of concern here in the province especially because we have been getting more rains due to the weather condition,” he said.
Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, continues to be on the list of top 10 cities and municipalities in the province with the highest number of dengue cases, having 450 cases and one death.
The others in the top 10 are Siaton (315 cases, two deaths); Bayawan City (294 cases, two deaths); Mabinay (290 cases ,two deaths); Sibulan (255 cases,two deaths); Pamplona (229 cases, one death); Bais City (223 cases); Sta. Catalina (220 cases); Guihulngan City (178 cases, one death); and Tanjay City (164 cases).
Deaths due to dengue were reported in Basay with three and Manjuyod with two.
Villamor said dengue cases in the province are still expected to rise further in the coming months until late October or early November because of the rainy season.
What is important is to avoid deaths due to the mosquito-borne disease, he said.
He advised the public that early consultation is the key to preventing dengue deaths.
Patients with low platelet count, high-grade fever that is persistent for days, and weakness are usually the symptoms of dengue, he said.
Villamor said suspected cases should undergo the Rapid Diagnostic Test, which is available in hospitals and rural health centers, to determine if a patient has dengue.
In Dumaguete City, the legislative council has called for a special session today to discuss possible measures to address the rising cases of dengue. (PNA)
