Bacolod logs three deaths in dengue, leptospirosis

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) has reported three new fatalities due to dengue and leptospirosis.

Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment and Sanitation Division, confirmed that an 11-year-old girl from Barangay 16 was the city’s third dengue fatality.

The girl experienced a fever on August 4, was admitted to a hospital on August 9, and passed away later that day, according to Tan.

Tan stated that the girl’s death has been classified as a probable case of dengue with warning signs, although it is still subject to verification.

The CHO explained that a probable case involves a suspected case with a positive dengue IgM antibody test. Two other dengue-related deaths were reported in July.

As of August 10, a total of 602 dengue cases have been reported in Bacolod City, reflecting a 73.5 percent increase from last year’s 347 cases. Three deaths have been recorded since January.

The 12 barangays with the highest number of dengue cases include Taculing (77 cases), Bata (62 cases), Villamonte (43 cases), Estefania and Mansilingan (37 cases each), Cabug and Granada (33 cases each), Alijis (28 cases), Mandalagan (27 cases), Banago and Sum-ag (25 cases each), Tangub (23 cases), and Singcang-Airport (21 cases).

In a separate report, the CHO noted six leptospirosis-related deaths in Bacolod, including two recent fatalities.

Dr. Tan said the latest victims were a 47-year-old construction worker from Barangay Pahanocoy and a 24-year-old Information Technology (IT) graduate from Barangay Estefania.

The construction worker began showing symptoms on July 17, was admitted to a hospital five days later, and passed away shortly thereafter.

Tan mentioned that the victim had a history of wading or exposure to contaminated water between July 7 and 13.

The IT graduate developed symptoms on July 29, was admitted to a hospital a week later, and passed away on August 5.

CHO records indicate that Bacolod City has logged 15 leptospirosis cases as of August 10, marking a 76.2 percent decrease from last year’s 63 cases, which resulted in 10 deaths.

Barangays 35, Pahanocoy, and Punta Taytay each reported two leptospirosis cases, while Alijis, Vista Alegre, Mansilingan, Mandalagan, Felisa, Barangay 6, Barangay 12, Estefania, and Barangay 39 each reported one case.