BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is reminding residents to maintain a clean environment free from mosquitos in the wake of a surge in dengue cases this June.
Data released by the Department of Health-Western Visayas (DOH-6) on Thursday showed Negros Occidental province recorded an increase of 456 percent from January 1 to June 4.
“We should see to it that we are conscious of our surroundings. Keep it clean and avoid stagnant water,” Lacson said.
For the entire 22 morbidity weeks since the start of the year, Negros Occidental has logged 984 cases, including six deaths; from only 177 cases, with three deaths, during the same period in 2021.
During the Morbidity Week No. 22 from May 29 up to June 4, some 143 new cases were reported in the province.
Lacson had earlier noted the rise in dengue cases is part of a three-year cycle of a surge in the number of the mosquito-borne disease.
“Our Provincial Health Office is aware of the situation and taking remedial measures, mostly reminding people to keep our surroundings clean,” he added.
Based on the DOH-6 data, Negros Occidental has the highest number of dengue cases in Western Visayas, with 984 cases, followed by Antique Province– 624; Iloilo Province – 391; Bacolod City – 190; Capiz Province– 140; Iloilo City – 86; Aklan Province– 78; and Guimaras Province – 27.
The DOH has been advocating the practice of “4S” to fight dengue, now considered a year-round disease, which is transmitted through a bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
“4S” stands for “Search and destroy” mosquito breeding sites; “Secure self-protection measures” like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and daily use of mosquito repellent; “Seek early consultation”; and “Support fogging/spraying”. (PNA)
