Dumaguete City Braces for Potential Dengue Surge Amidst El Niño Predictions
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Negros Oriental is anticipating a potential increase in dengue cases due to the onset of the El Niño phenomenon predicted to commence this month, bringing extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and an intense dry spell.
Dr. Liland Estacion, PHO chief, emphasized on Wednesday that despite a decrease in dengue cases in 2023 compared to the previous year, the public should remain vigilant. Estacion pointed out that heavy rainfall creates conducive environments for the breeding of mosquitoes, which serve as vectors for the deadly dengue virus.
The concept of a distinct "dengue season" no longer holds, explained Estacion, as climate change and population growth have contributed to the continuous threat of dengue throughout the year.
PHO records indicate that Negros Oriental reported 1,503 dengue cases and five deaths in 2023, a 35% reduction from the 2022 figures of 2,300 cases and 11 deaths.
The top ten cities and municipalities with the highest number of dengue cases in 2023 were Dumaguete City (220 cases), La Libertad (164), Sibulan (116), Bindoy (98), Bais City (88), Siaton (88), Ayungon (76), Valencia (69), Tanjay City (65), and Manjuyod (64).
Deaths were recorded in Ayungon, Valencia, Mabinay, Pamplona, and Sibulan. (PNA)
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