Dengue Cases in Negros Oriental Surge by 142% in 2023

NEGROS ORIENTAL – Health officials in Negros Oriental have reported a dramatic increase in dengue cases during the first eight months of 2023, marking a significant rise compared to the same period last year.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), the province recorded 2,253 dengue cases from January 1 to August 10, 2023, which includes six fatalities. This represents a 142% increase from the 479 cases reported during the same timeframe in 2022, which had no associated deaths. The cities of Guihulngan and Bayawan, along with Dumaguete, Bais, Mabinay, Tanjay, Vallehermoso, and La Libertad, are the most affected areas.

The deceased, ranging in age from 8 to 32, succumbed to dengue shock syndrome in various localities, including Sibulan, Ayungon, Bacong, Dumaguete City, and Bayawan City, with the most recent death reported on August 7.

In response to the outbreak, Estacion has emphasized the necessity of intensifying anti-dengue efforts, particularly in educational institutions as the rainy season commences and with the expected onset of La Niña. The PHO has distributed NS1 antigen testing kits to health centers throughout the province to facilitate early detection of the virus, and plans are underway to implement spatial spraying measures to control the mosquito population.