In Dumaguete City, a health official reported on Wednesday that the occurrences of dengue in Negros Oriental last year were 38 percent lower than in 2022.
Dr. Liland Estacion, the Chief of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), shared that data from January 1 to December 23, 2023, indicated only 1,447 cases and five deaths, a decrease from 2,277 cases and 11 deaths in the preceding year.
Describing it as an encouraging development, Estacion remarked, “This is particularly noteworthy considering it was anticipated to be an epidemic year, occurring every three years. Fortunately, we were successful in curbing the spread of dengue infection.”
The last epidemic occurred in 2019 when Negros Oriental recorded 6,844 cases with 23 deaths, marking the highest figures in a decade.
While PHO is still consolidating data for its weekly reporting on dengue cases from December 24 of the previous year, Estacion anticipates minimal adjustments to the current figures.
Records from the Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (PESU) revealed that dengue cases ranged from five months to 85 years old, predominantly affecting the age group of one to 10, comprising 43 percent of the total number.
Dumaguete, the provincial capital, recorded the highest number of cases at 220, followed by La Libertad (164), Sibulan (116), Bindoy (97), Siaton (86), Bais City (76), Ayungon (73), Valencia (68), Tanjay City (62), Mabinay (57), and Manjuyod (53)
Other cities and municipalities reported fewer than 50 cases, with Basay having the lowest at one case.
The recorded deaths this year occurred in Ayungon, Valencia, Mabinay, Pamplona, and Sibulan.
Estacion attributed the decline in cases to an intensified “4S” strategy in combating dengue, emphasizing searching and destroying mosquito breeding places, seeking early consultation, ensuring self-protection, and supporting anti-dengue fogging or spraying operations. (PNA)
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