In a follow-up to a report on the dengue fever situation in Negros Occidental province in the Visayas, Philippines, health officials in Bacolod City are reporting a significant increase in cases through Aug. 6 this year.
According to the provincial health office, a total of 2,520 dengue cases were reported since the beginning of the year, compared to 849 cases reported during the same period in 2015 for an increase of 197 percent.
Silay City has seen the most dengue cases, approximately 10 percent of the provincial total (252).
A Rappler media account notes that Provincial Health Officer Ernell Tumimbang said in response to the new numbers, “We’re approaching the epidemic threshold.”
17 dengue related fatalities have been reported to date, with one third from Bacolod.
Nationally, the Philippines has recorded more than 70,000 dengue cases and in excess of 300 deaths through July 23.
Dengue is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). There are 4 serotypes called DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Infection with one serotype produces lifelong immunity against that serotype reinfection. Successive infection with two different serotypes is a risk factor for developing the severe forms of the disease.
The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are transmitters of dengue.
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