BACOLOD City – Dengue cases in this city have surged by 147 percent, according to the City Health Office (CHO).
Dr. Grace Tan, chief of the CHO’s Environmental Sanitation Division, reported that from January to May 10 this year, the city recorded 356 cases, including two fatalities compared to only 144 cases with no death during the same period last year.
The majority of the cases affected individuals aged one to 19 years old.
Barangay Mansilingan registered the highest number of cases at 33, followed by Estefania (30), Tangub (28), Taculing (23), Alijis (23), Villamonte (22), Mandalagan (20), Singcang (20), Handumanan (17), and Cabug (15).
Tan explained that despite the dry season, the hot weather has contributed to the rise in dengue cases.
“Warm temperatures provide ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation and virus transmission, especially in areas lacking proper mosquito control,” she said.
She noted that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, thrives in hot and humid environments. The high temperatures accelerate the mosquito’s life cycle, causing them to mature faster and breed more quickly. In addition, the heat speeds up dengue virus replication inside the mosquito, increasing the likelihood of transmission shortly after the mosquito bites an infected person.
Furthermore, sporadic rains during the dry season can leave stagnant water in containers, tires, or flower pots — ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. People also tend to wear less clothing in hot weather, increasing skin exposure to bites.
Despite the CHO’s ongoing anti-dengue campaign, Tan renewed the call for residents to stay vigilant by keeping their surroundings clean and practicing the “4 o’clock habit” — a daily routine aimed at eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites.
The signs and symptoms of dengue include sudden onset of high fever lasting two to seven days, joint and muscle pain, pain behind the eyes, weakness and skin rashes, nosebleeds as the fever subsides, abdominal pain, vomiting of coffee-colored matter, dark-colored stools, and difficulty breathing
Tan further reminded the public of basic dengue treatment and first-aid: “Do not give aspirin for fever. Ensure the patient is well hydrated. If fever or symptoms persist for more than two days, bring the patient to the nearest hospital immediately.”/PN
