The Department of Health (DOH) in Negros Oriental has confirmed an increase in the number of dengue cases in the province.
Dr. Socrates Villamor, provincial DOH chief, said that confirmed dengue cases in Negros Oriental reached 235 from Jan. 1 to May 15 this year. The figures were based on admission cases at the three hospitals in Dumaguete City, namely, Holy Child Hospital, Silliman University Medical Center, and the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital.
Villamor said a 33 percent increase was noted this year over last year's figures of 177 cases and no deaths due to dengue for the same period covered.
Two deaths, involving pre-school children, were also reported within the period from Jan. 1 to May 15, this year.
Villamor said the fatalities, both girls, were a 5-year old from Sibulan town who died last January, and a 3-year old from Bacong who succumbed to the disease just last week.
He allayed fears of an epidemic outbreak of dengue cases in the province, saying the increase was expected because of the arrival of the rainy season. Health officials are anticipating further rise in the number of dengue cases during the coming months.
Dumaguete City tops the list of the 10 local government units in Negros Oriental having the highest number of dengue cases at 109. Bayawan City came in second with 23 cases, followed by Tanjay with 19; Bais, 10; Bacong, 9; Sibulan, 8; Manjuyod and San Jose, 7 each; and Dauin and Guihulngan, 6 cases each.
The municipalities of Amlan, Vallehermoso, La Libertad and Jimalalud had no dengue cases reported for the same period, while the rest of the cities and municipalities had five cases and below.
Dr. Villamor appealed to the public to begin adopting the government's 4S strategy in combating dengue.
The 4S strategy stands for Search and Destroy breeding places of dengue mosquito vectors, Seek early consultation, adopt Self-Protection measures like the use of insect repellant lotion, and Say No to indiscriminate fogging.
According to Dr. Villamor, patients who manifest symptoms of high fever, rashes and nausea, among others, must consult a physician immediately as most cases with the said symptoms nowadays are being considered as suspect dengue cases.
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