The total number of dengue cases in Negros Oriental in 2013 posted a 6.6 percent increase over the same period of coverage in 2012, according to records at the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
The number of deaths, however, was lesser for the same period, according to IPHO chief, Dr. Edgar Barredo.
According to Dr. Barredo, from January 1 to December 21, 2013, the province of Negros Oriental recorded a total of 3,418 cases of dengue with seven deaths.
In 2012, the IPHO recorded a lower figure of 3,208 dengue cases but with ten deaths for the same period, he added.
The capital city of Dumaguete topped the list of the ten cities/municipalities in Negros Oriental having the highest number of dengue cases last year.
Dumaguete posted 1,041 cases, followed by Sibulan with 350; Tanjay City, 309; Bais City, 147; Siaton, 115; Mabinay, 114; Bacong and Zamboanguita, 101 cases each; and Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina with 96 cases each, IPHO records showed, said Dr. Barredo.
The cases of deaths due to dengue in 2013 were in Dumaguete with two and one each in Tanjay City, Bacong, Guihulngan City, Pamplona and Canlaon City.
Dr. Barredo on Friday said he believes that the rise in dengue cases in Negros Oriental could be attributed in part to climate change.
He called on the public to be vigilant all year round against dengue considering that there is no longer what was then known as the wet and dry seasons in the country.
Community involvement is needed with people being asked to observe the 4S campaign of government against the mosquito-borne viral disease, Barredo said.
The 4S strategy includes Search-and-destroy breeding grounds of vector mosquitoes, Self-protection through the use of mosquito nets, preventive clothing and insect repellants, among others, Seek early consultation once symptoms of suspect dengue case appear, and Say no to indiscriminate fogging as it is not a guaranteed approach to combat dengue.
So far this year, not a single dengue case has been reported in Negros Oriental. (PNA/JFP)
