Negros Or. logs 6 deaths in 1,520 dengue cases

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Negros Oriental has recorded six deaths from 1,520 dengue cases during the first six months this year, which was 187 percent higher than in the same period last year.

According to assistant provincial health officer Antonio Barredo, Dumaguete City has the most number of dengue incidents at 514, followed by Sibulan town with 206 cases and Tanjay City with 169. The casualties were one each in the cities of Dumaguete, Guihulngan, Tanjay and Canlaon, and the towns of Bacong and Pamplona.

Barredo enjoined local government units to intensify the information campaign on dengue emphasizing the importance of eliminating the breeding places of mosquitoes, seeking medical help without delay and using self protection to prevent mosquito bites with repellents, nets, protective clothing and doors and windows screens.

He also called for the establishment of dengue surveillance teams and brigades, while intensifying clean-up drives in all barangays through schools, rural health units, volunteeers and residents.  (FREEMAN)