Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief urged stricter anti-dengue measures as the coming wet season might trigger a spike in cases. PHO chief Dr. Liland Estacion said in an interview on Tuesday that the public should not be complacent despite the drop in dengue cases in the province this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Estacion highlighted that the decline in cases is most likely attributed to the late onset of the rainy season and active public participation in fighting dengue through various approaches. The latest available data from the PHO showed that from Jan. 1 to May 10, a total of 811 cases with one death were reported across the province, marking a 22 percent decrease from last year’s 1,044 cases and three deaths during the same period.
The top areas with the highest number of cases are Siaton with 105 cases, followed by Tanjay City with 82, and Dumaguete City with 81. Other areas include Mabinay with 57, Guihulngan City with 54, Bais City with 51, Bayawan City with 50, Sibulan with 40, and both Canlaon City and Zamboanguita with 25 cases each.
Dr. Estacion also called on schools to prepare for the opening of classes in mid-June by cleaning classrooms and premises to destroy potential mosquito breeding sites. The PHO is also gearing up to assist the Department of Education for the annual ‘Brigada Eskwela’ (School Brigade) cleanup drive ahead of the opening of classes.
