The number of deaths in Negros Occidental attributed to dengue for the period January to October 3, 2009 has risen to 19.

The Provincial Health Office said that this is an increase of 53 percent compared to the same period last year. PHO said 11 deaths were recorded for the same period in 2008. 

The total number of dengue cases for the province however has decreased by 11 percent for the same period. From 1,001 cases in 2008, it is now down to 889 cases.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Luisa Efren said this only shows that their campaign for a clean surrounding has been effective as shown in the decrease in the number of dengue cases.

She said however that the increase in the deaths due to dengue indicates late treatment.

Efren said they are now refocusing their campaign. She said the public should realize that every fever should be taken seriously so that early diagnosis and treatment can be provided. She added that dengue “fast lanes” in rural health centers have been reactivated. By Barbara Mijares, ABS-CBN News Negros