Negros Occidental dengue cases near epidemic level

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Dengue cases in Negros Occidental are progressing to epidemic level, with the number of patients 423.63 percent higher compared to last year.

A report of the provincial health office showed that 953 cases were recorded from January to May compared to 182 cases during the same period last year.

The report said the dengue attack rate in Negros Occidental is at 36.6 cases per 100,000 people.

La Carlota City has the highest attack rate at 9.4 cases per 10,000 people while Himamaylan City has the most number of cases with 88.  Binalbagan recorded the highest increase in cases at 2,750 percent.

Dengue-related deaths in the province remain at five.

Clustering of dengue cases was reported in 60 barangays in Bago City, Binalbagan, Calatrava, Cauayan, Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Hinobaan, Ilog, Isabela, Kabankalan City, La Carlota City, Moises Padilla, Murcia, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, San Carlos City, San Enrique, Sipalay City, Talisay City, Toboso and Valladolid.

Dengue cases in this city rose by 103.7 percent compared to last year.