Dumaguete: The number of dengue cases in Negros Oriental from January 1 to May 31 this year dropped 25 percent compared to the same period last year, a health official announced. Noel Ferrero, the Provincial Health Office's focal person for its dengue program, shared this information during a "Kapihan sa PIA" forum, noting a total of 910 cases and one death during the five-month period, a decline from 1,208 cases and four deaths recorded last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ferrero cautioned that the downward trend in dengue cases might not continue with the rainy season approaching, and highlighted that 2025 is anticipated to be an 'epidemic' year based on the three-year outbreak cycle for dengue. He noted that dengue cases in the Philippines generally begin to rise in May or June, peaking in August and September.
In preparation for a possible increase in dengue cases, the PHO, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), implemented an algorithm last year for patient referrals. This system helps determine whether a suspected dengue patient should be managed at home, by barangay health stations, or rural health units, before considering hospital admission. Ferrero also mentioned that logistics have been prepositioned with supplies distributed by the DOH-Negros Island Region (NIR), and NS1 antigen testing kits for dengue are available for free.
Records from the PHO indicate that as of May 31, the top 10 areas with the highest number of dengue cases are Siaton (112), Tanjay City (95), Dumaguete City (86), Mabinay (75), Bayawan City and Guihulngan City (63 each), Bais City (56), Sibulan (44), Canlaon City (28), and Zamboanguita (26). The most affected age group is 1-10 years old, accounting for 39 percent of cases, with the majority being male (50 percent). The only death this year was an 18-year-old female from Tanjay City who succumbed to dengue septic shock on March 31.
Ferrero and city health officials have reiterated their call for the public to engage in preventive measures to control the spread of dengue. These measures include eliminating mosquito breeding sites, seeking early medical consultation, using insect repellent lotion, and supervised chemical misting when an outbreak seems imminent. Health authorities are also distributing mosquito nets and curtains impregnated with insect repellent in schools and other areas prone to mosquito breeding.
