Philippines: Dengue cases up nearly 300% in Negros Occidental early in 2025
Negros Occidental province, in the Western Visayas region of the Philippine archipelago, are seeing a big increase in dengue fever in the early weeks of 2025.
According to officials with the Provincial Health Office, 250 dengue cases were reported from Jan 1 to 18, an increase of 297 percent compared to 63 cases in the same period last year.
Two fatalities have been reported to date.
Bago City reported the highest number of dengue cases in January at 58, followed by San Carlos City with 20 cases, Kabankalan City – 19, Pulupandan – 15, Silay City – 13, Valladolid – 11 and La Carlota City – 10.
In 2024 Negros Occidental had 6,799 dengue cases, which were 354.48 percent more than in 2023, according to health officials.
There were also 22 dengue related deaths in 2024.
There are four closely related but antigenically different serotypes of the virus that can cause dengue (DEN1, DEN 2, DEN 3, DEN 4).
Dengue Fever (DF) – marked by an onset of sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and pain in muscles and joints. Some may also have a rash and varying degree of bleeding from various parts of the body (including nose, mouth and gums or skin bruising).Dengue has a wide spectrum of infection outcome (asymptomatic to symptomatic). Symptomatic illness can vary from dengue fever (DF) to the more serious dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
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Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) – is a more severe form, seen only in a small proportion of those infected. DHF is a stereotypic illness characterized by 3 phases; febrile phase with high continuous fever usually lasting for less than 7 days; critical phase (plasma leaking) lasting 1-2 days usually apparent when fever comes down, leading to shock if not detected and treated early; convalescence phase lasting 2-5 days with improvement of appetite, bradycardia (slow heart rate), convalescent rash (white patches in red background), often accompanied by generalized itching (more intense in palms and soles), and diuresis (increase urine output).
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) — Shock syndrome is a dangerous complication of dengue infection and is associated with high mortality. Severe dengue occurs as a result of secondary infection with a different virus serotype. Increased vascular permeability, together with myocardial dysfunction and dehydration, contribute to the development of shock, with resultant multiorgan failure.
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The Department of Health urges the public to follow the 4S campaign to prevent the spread of dengue.
The 4S stands for “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, “Secure Self Protection” from mosquito bite, “Seek Early Consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur, and “Say Yes to Fogging” as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.