Negros Occidental sees surge in dengue cases: 2 deaths, 250 infections in just 2 weeks

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Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral says the number of dengue cases Negros Occidental logged during the first half of January is 'very alarming'

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A spike in dengue cases in Negros Occidental has unsettled health officials, with two deaths and 250 infections recorded in the first half of January alone.

Provincial Health Officer Girlie Pinongan, in an interview with Rappler on Wednesday, January 29, described the surge as a cause for concern, stressing the urgency of containment efforts.

She said the provincial health office is looking into the circumstances surrounding the two dengue deaths between January 1 and 18. Those who died were aged 18 and 22 years old.

Aside from the two fatalities, Pinongan said the province recorded a total of 250 dengue cases from January 1 to 18, an increase of about 296.83% compared to the same period last year.

Topping the list of dengue cases in Negros Occidental for January were Bago City with 58 cases, San Carlos City with 20, Kabankalan City with 19, Pulupandan with 15, Silay City with 13, Valladolid with 11, La Carlota City with 10, Cadiz City with 9, and Hinigaran and Escalante City with six each.

Most of the infected individuals were aged 11 to 20, Pinongan said.

Pinongan said the provincial health office was coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) to implement more comprehensive and effective measures to address the disease, which is primarily caused by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

In 2024, Negros Occidental recorded a total of 6,799 dengue cases from January 1 to December 31, an increase of 354.48% compared to 2023. Officials said they were trying to prevent a similar situation this year.

Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral told Rappler on Tuesday night, January 28, that number of dengue cases in Negros Occidental this month is “very alarming.”

Maestral called on hospitals in Negros Occidental to institute micro-management in handling dengue cases within their jurisdictions.

Dengue fast lanes in all private and public hospitals must be reactivated, she added.

Pinongan, meanwhile, said the provincial health office has already released a dengue advisory to all local governments in Negros Occidental, urging them to implement precautionary measures in response to the rising number of dengue cases.

Maestral said the DOH will adopt a holistic approach to addressing dengue infections not only in the province but nationwide.

Alongside intensified dengue awareness campaigns and cleanup drives, the DOH will promote “Pinggang Pinoy,” a visual guide to balanced meals, to help patients strengthen their resistance during infection and hospitalization, she said. – Rappler.com