BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The number of dengue fatalities in Negros Occidental has increased to 10 as cases spiked by 244.76 percent, according to the provincial health office.
PHO chief Girlie Pinongan said most of the fatalities were minors and school children.
Pinongan blamed the increase on delays in seeking medical help by patients or their guardians.
From January to Sept. 14, the PHO recorded 3,851 dengue cases, higher by 244.76 than the 1,117 infections reported during the same period last year.
Among areas, Bago City logged the most number of cases with 369 followed by Hinobaan with 325 and San Carlos City with 262 cases.
The rest are Sipalay and Talisay with 249 cases each; Kabankalan, 250; Sagay, 248; Cadiz, 218; Silay, 210, and Cauayan, 201.
The provincial government has launched an anti-dengue awareness campaign.