The dengue fever situation in Negros Occidental is alarming, with two new deaths reported in Sagay City, and two outbreaks having occurred in the south, Health Regional Director Lydia Depra- Ramos said yesterday.

Ramos said she is sending a team to Sagay City today to address the reported rise in dengue fever cases there.

Sagay Mayor Alfredo Marañon said two new dengue deaths have been reported in Sagay City and 25 dengue fever cases. The Negros Occidental Health Surveillance System and the Bacolod City Health Office have reported 15 dengue deaths this year, and the two new cases in Sagay brings the number to 17.

The youngest fatality was 7 months old and the oldest was 32 years old, with most of the deaths occurring in June and July.

Ramos said "Even if there are dengue cases if there are no deaths it is fine, but once we have deaths, it is alarming."

She said dengue cases in some areas of Hinobaan town and Sipalay City where outbreaks were declared are now going down because of swift DOH and local government intervention.

She said she does not know if another outbreak will be declared in Sagay City. A DOH team will be sent to the area today to check on the situation, Ramos said.

Dr. Luisa Efren, Negros Occidental provincial health officer, said their latest figures show that there have been 800 dengue cases in Negros Occidental, with most coming from Bacolod City.

The Bacolod City Health Office reported 450 cases of dengue.*CPG

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