BACOLOD City – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is mulling to declare a dengue outbreak in five areas in Negros Occidental.
PHO chief Dr. Ernell Tumimbang recommended the move. He cited the constant increase in the number of dengue cases and deaths recorded in five local government units in the province.
These areas include cities of Kabankalan and Bago with the towns of Cauayan, Murcia and Candoni.
Based on PHO’s data, Kabankalan City has the highest reported dengue cases with 490.
Bago City followed with 285 with one death.
The towns of Cauayan also recorded 228 cases with two deaths; Murcia, 147 with one death; and Candoni, 135 with two deaths.
The province has a total of 3,744 cases from Jan. 1 to July 13 this year.
Earlier, Gov. Eugenio Lacson issued Executive Order No. 19-19, declaring a dengue heightened alert in Negros Occidental.
According to Lacson, the province is currently under “alert” level and has yet to exceed the epidemic threshold for dengue.
He urged the public to participate in proactive initiatives against dengue such as cleaning their own surroundings.
The governor likewise cited the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Western Visayas Regional Order No. 2019-09, outlining the guidelines in triaging and managing dengue cases in health facilities the region to properly manage the influx of dengue cases.
According to the DOH, the management of cases is based on patient type.
These include Group A, patients who may be sent home; Group B, patients who should be referred for in-hospital management; and Group C, patients with severe dengue requiring emergency treatment and urgent referral./PN
