BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Dengue cases in Western Visayas have hit a record high of 5,057, with 31 deaths, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The cases, recorded in the past six months, increased by 389 percent compared to 1,034 during the same period last year.
Negros Occidental has the highest number of cases in the region at 1,869, an increase of 777 percent compared to last year. Ten deaths were reported as of July 8.
Records at the DOH-Western Visayas office showed that 38 percent of the victims are aged one to 10.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the DOH regional office is sending a team to the province to help in the campaign against dengue.
He said the increase in cases in Negros Occidental is ”alarming.”
Among the symptoms of dengue is fever lasting from two to seven days. Patients may also experience headache, body weakness, loss of appetite and vomiting.
The DOH reminded the public to practice the 4S strategy to fight dengue, which means search and destroy breeding places, secure self-protection from mosquito bite, seek early consultation when there are symptoms, and support fogging or spraying in hot spot areas, especially during the rainy season.
Antique logged the second highest number of cases in Negros Occidental at 1,409 followed by Iloilo, 840; Capiz, 299; Bacolod City, 269; Aklan, 198; Iloilo City, 113, and Guimaras, 60.
Western Visayas had the most number of cases when the DOH declared a national dengue epidemic in 2019.
Except in Ilocos and Caraga, the DOH said all regions in the country exceeded the epidemic threshold for dengue from May 29 to June 25.
With the rise in cases, there have been renewed calls to use the Dengvaxia vaccine.