The chief of the Negros Oriental Provincial Health Office urged stricter anti-dengue measures as the coming wet season might trigger a spike in cases.
PHO Chief Dr. Liland Estacion said in an interview on Tuesday that the public should not be complacent despite the drop in dengue cases in the Province this year.
“The decline in cases is most likely attributed to the late onset of the rainy season and active public participation in fighting dengue through various approaches,” Estacion said.
The latest available data from the PHO showed that from Jan. 1 to May 10, a total of 811 cases with one death were reported across the province — 22 percent lower than last year’s 1,044 cases and three deaths during the same period.
The top areas with the highest number of cases are Siaton (105 cases); Tanjay City (82); Dumaguete City (81); Mabinay (57); Guihulngan City (54); Bais City (51); Bayawan City (50); Sibulan (40); Canlaon City and Zamboanguita (25 each).
She called on the schools to prepare for the opening of classes in mid-June by cleaning classrooms and premises to destroy potential mosquito breeding sites.
The PHO is also gearing up to help the Department of Education for the annual Brigada Eskwela (School Brigade) cleanup drive ahead of the opening of classes. (PNA)
