Dengue Cases Surge in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental Amid Rising Deaths

BACOLID City has experienced a sharp rise in dengue cases, recording 631 infections and four deaths from July 20 to 26 (morbidity week 30), according to the City Health Office (CHO). This figure represents a 67.8 percent increase compared to the 376 cases and one fatality documented during the same period last year.

Barangay Mansilingan remains the hardest-hit area in the city, reporting 64 cases alone. Data from the CHO highlights that most dengue patients are children between the ages of 1 and 10.

Meanwhile, the province of Negros Occidental has seen a dramatic escalation with 3,500 dengue cases and seven deaths recorded as of July 19. This is a staggering 128.16 percent rise compared to 1,534 cases reported during the same timeframe in 2024. Bago City registered the highest case count at 81, including one death, followed by La Carlota City with 360 cases.

Health officials are urging residents to intensify efforts in maintaining cleanliness within their communities and to adhere to the "4 o’clock habit," a routine practice aimed at reducing mosquito breeding grounds.

Dengue fever, spread primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, manifests through symptoms such as high fever, intense headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle aches, skin rashes, and minor bleeding. Without proper treatment, severe forms like dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome can develop, posing serious health risks.

Public health authorities continue to emphasize vigilance to curb the ongoing dengue outbreak in both the city and province.