Here are some tips on how to prevent getting infected by dengue in the Philippines.
A CDN Digital news article states that Cebu has recorded 2,831 cases of dengue this year, as reported by the Cebu City Health Department (CHD).
As of October 3rd, around 941 cases have been confirmed and 1,890 are suspected. (2024)
Among the recorded cases, 17 have sadly passed away. The oldest victim was 75 years old and the youngest was only three. The total number of cases is significantly higher than the same period last year, which only recorded 572 cases in total.
This further proves that dengue in the Philippines remains a huge problem.
The disease has plagued the country for over a century, with a journal from PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases recalling the first dengue outbreak in the country as early as 1906 and its first severe case in the 1950s. (2016)
A study on the Economic Cost and Burden of Dengue in the Philippines from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) ranks the country fourth in the total number of dengue cases among countries in Southeast Asia.
Most dengue cases in the Philippines are recorded from July to September during the rainy season, but it’s just as possible to get infected outside of that period.
This article aims to help you protect yourself from this lethal disease. But first, let’s determine what happens when you get infected.
WHAT IS DENGUE?
The World Health Organization describes dengue fever (or break-bone fever) as a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. (2024) It is commonly experienced in tropical and subtropical locations close to the equator just like the Philippines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls it the most common mosquito-borne disease in the world, carried by the Aedes species of mosquitoes. (2024)
These are the same mosquitoes that can spread the Zika and chikungunya viruses. They lay eggs in areas that hold water like buckets, bowls, and basins, so they can be found in both indoor and outdoor areas.
This explains why most people get infected during the rainy season, as they come in contact with stagnant water in nearby puddles. One can be bitten by an Aedes mosquito during the day or at night.
Most dengue patients will have mild symptoms like high fever, headache, and rashes, and recover in around one to two weeks. Severe cases are quite rare, but may lead to death.
Severe symptoms such as fatigue, persistent vomiting, and blood in vomit or stool should be taken care of right away since they may lead to hospitalization.
Another severe symptom is thrombocytopenia, which is when patients get a low platelet count. Low platelet numbers can cause the body to bleed very easily, so a blood transfusion may be needed.
The World Health Organization mentions that there is no specific treatment for dengue, but you can treat its pain symptoms. Most cases can be treated by taking pain medicine at home.
TIPS IN PREVENTING DENGUE
- Wear mosquito repellent
You can lower the chances of getting infected by avoiding mosquito bites when going out, especially at night.
Apply insect repellent lotion on exposed parts of your body like your arms, neck, and legs. Insect repellents are easy to find and are readily available at supermarkets, pharmacies, and travel essentials stores.
- Avoid stagnant water
As mentioned, mosquitoes can breed in stagnant water, so you may need to clean your water containers around the house. This includes flower vases, pots, and pet water bowls if you have any.
You should also clean roof gutters in order to prevent water buildup from the rain. The same goes for if you own a pool, a fountain, or a bathtub.
Mosquitoes can breed in dirty areas as well, so make sure to dispose of your waste properly. Avoid keeping trash like old storage boxes or food containers that may have water inside.
- Home preventive measures
You can also rearrange things at home to prevent mosquitoes from entering. If you haven’t already, install insect screens on your windows and doors to prevent them from entering the house.
Also, wear long sleeve shirts or pants and jeans inside and outside the house to prevent the mosquitoes from biting through your skin.
DENGUE IN CEBU
The latest news about dengue in the Philippines has brought a lot of concern for Filipinos that national health officials have recommended a declaration of a state of Public Health Emergency in September.
However, as reported by The Freeman, newly appointed Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia says there is no need for that just yet, since dengue cases have since declined. (2024)
Garcia attributed this improvement to interventions the city has established, such as awareness campaigns and the destruction of possible mosquito breeding grounds.
He discussed the decision thoroughly with Cebu City Health Office Chief Dr. Daisy Villa before making the announcement.
THE STATE OF DENGUE IN THE PHILIPPINES
The aforementioned NLM study pointed out issues regarding dengue in the Philippines. The combination of the country’s environment and the city’s continuous infrastructure projects has contributed to this difficult challenge.
Another NLM study highlighted the many cases that remain unreported as well or are only suspected to be dengue because the country’s surveillance scheme is outdated.
If you experience any severe symptoms, get yourself checked as soon as possible.
Poor waste management around the neighborhood has also caused mosquitoes to breed, especially spreading between members of the same household.
As a safety precaution for the viral disease, you can take the dengue vaccine which is readily available in countries where the virus is endemic. But overall, prevention starts with you.
Keep your surroundings clean and be responsible for your safety. While totally eradicating the disease is difficult, you can do your part to help prevent it from spreading.
REFERENCES:
Oliverio, Niña Mae. 2024. “Dengue cases in Cebu City reach 2,831 as of October 3.” CDN Digital.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/601273/dengue-cases-in-cebu-city-reach-2831-as-of-october-3.
Alera, Maria Theresa. 2016. “Incidence of Dengue Virus Infection in Adults and Children in a Prospective Longitudinal Cohort in the Philippines.” PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0004337#:~:text=In%20the%20Philippines%2C%20a%20dengue,Manila%20in%201953%20%5B21%5D.
World Health Organization. 2024. “Dengue and severe dengue.”
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024. “Current Dengue Outbreak.”
https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/outbreaks/2024/index.html.
Mascardo, Iris Hazel. 2024. “Garcia: No need to issue public health emergency for dengue.” The Freeman.
https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2024/10/22/2394350/garcia-no-need-issue-public-health-emergency-dengue.
