CLEAN WATER. Health authorities are urging the public to clean out stagnant water in pots, puddles and other containers to eliminate mosquito breeding places. Dengue cases in Negros Oriental showed a 41 percent dip from Jan. 1 to Sept 2, compared to the same period last year, the provincial health office said Wednesday (Sept 6, 2023). (PNA photo by Judy Flores Partlow)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Dengue cases in Negros Oriental dropped by 41 percent from Jan. 1 to Sept. 2, compared to the same period last year.
Provincial Health Office chief, Dr. Liland Estacion, attributed the low dengue cases to increased public awareness as the Department of Health (DOH) intensified its 5S Kontra Dengue campaign during the summer vacation.
“The reasons for the decline in dengue cases include early detection, search-and-destroy of mosquito breeding places, and the Brigada Eskwela or clean-up of school surroundings prior to the opening of classes,” Estacion told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday.
Further, the rainy season in the province has begun slowing down, thus eliminating potential mosquito breeding grounds, she said.
DOH-Negros Oriental records showed that the province logged 917 cases and three deaths from Jan. 1 to Sept. 2, this year, compared to 1,552 cases and six deaths recorded during the same period last year.
The top 10 cities and municipalities with the highest incidence of dengue are Dumaguete City with 147 cases; La Libertad, 123; Sibulan, 81; Bindoy, 73; Bais City, 49; Siaton, 43; Manjuyod, 39; Valencia, 39; Mabinay and Tanjay City, 32 each.
The three deaths occurred in Valencia, Mabinay and Ayungon.
The rest of the towns and cities in the province logged less than 30 cases, with Vallehermoso having the least with four cases.
Estacion expressed hope that the downtrend would continue throughout the entire year, noting however that based on previous experience, a spike is expected during the next epidemic cycle, which occurs every two to three years.
Last year's epidemic cycle extended towards early this year but did not last long, she said.
Despite the decrease in cases this year, Estacion called on the public to continue practicing anti-dengue measures, such as cleaning out stagnant water in vases, potted plants and canals to ensure public health and safety. (PNA)
