Dengue cases up 17.7 percent in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Amid the rainy season, the Negros Occidental provincial health office has stepped up its efforts to combat cases of dengue fever, which have increased by 17.7 percent in the province.

Dr. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, expressed alarm over the clustering of dengue cases in several localities south of here.

Pinongan said three children died of dengue as she noted that field inspections showed several breeding grounds, including clogged canals, for the dengue-causing mosquito.

She said dengue fast lanes have already been activated in government hospitals, noting that most of those admitted were children.