DENGUE cases in Negros Oriental dropped by 12.6 percent this year compared to 2008, according to a top official of the Department of Health (DOH) in Dumaguete City.

Dr. Socrates Villamor, chief of the provincial epidemiology surveillance unit of the DOH said 187 dengue cases were recorded from January to March 6, 2009 compared to 214 cases in the same period in 2008.

Panagbenga 2009 blog

He, however, stressed that one dengue-related death was reported this year. There was no death in the same period last year.

A 17-year-old man from Valencia, Negros Oriental succumbed to death while being treated at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital.

Based on investigation, the dengue virus weakened the victim's immune system and the second attack resulted to his death.

In this connection, despite the reported decline in the number of dengue cases in the province, Villamor appealed to residents to continue their practices against the mosquito dengue carrier.

Records show that in 2008, a total of 1,201 dengue cases were recorded in Negros Oriental, with six deaths.

The DOH official noted that the number is only three cases less than in 2007, where a total of 1,204 dengue cases with 10 deaths were reported.

Endemic

Villamor also reminded the residents of Dumaguete City that the dengue virus is endemic.

He said Dumaguete City is still among the top cities and towns in the province with a high number of dengue cases.

Records show that from January 1 to March 6 of 2009, Dumaguete City had a total of 81 cases.

It was followed by Tanjay with 32 cases; Sibulan with 16 and 10 cases for Bais City and San Jose, respectively.