The month of June is National Dengue Awareness Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 1204 to raise public awareness on the prevention of this widespread disease. According to the Department of Health (DOH), dengue is an all-year-round public health threat but is heightened during the rainy season. It affects mostly infants, young children, and adults.
Dengue is an acute mosquito-borne viral infection common in tropical countries like the Philippines. The virus causing dengue is called dengue virus (DENV) which is transmitted through a bite of dengue-infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. According to the DOH, these mosquitoes can lay eggs in any space or container that holds clear and stagnant water like a bottle cap, dish dryer, plant axil, gutter, trash can, old rubber tire, etc. They usually bite between 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset and can be found inside and outside the house.
Dengue is a severe, flu-like illness. Its symptoms include sudden onset of fever of 2 to 7 days, plus two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. The DOH emphasizes that it is important to seek early consultation between 1-3 days of fever to immediately recognize the disease, which may require the patient to increase fluid intake, especially Oral Rehydration Solution that is proven to be lifesaving for dengue patients.
If the fever temperature drops to at least 1° C or to almost normal between 3-6 days, health care providers should watch out if the fever comes back and strictly monitor the possible occurrence of warning signs. These warning signs include abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting, edema, mucosal bleeding (i.e. mouth, nose, etc.), and lack of energy. If patients manifest these symptoms during the critical phase, close observation for the next 24–48 hours is essential so that proper medical care can be provided, to avoid complications and risk of death.
Dengue has no specific treatment but the symptoms such as muscle aches and pains, and fever can be managed by fever reducers and pain killers. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain body temperature and balance electrolytes in the body. High calorie diet can help the body regain energy lost due to infection. Eating foods such as green leafy vegetables rich in Iron and Vitamin K can help increase blood count and blood clotting, while foods rich in Vitamin C can help strengthen the immune system.
Prevention is better than cure. The DOH campaigns for the enhanced 4S against Dengue. The 4S stands for:
- Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites like open container and used tires
- Self-protection measures by wearing long pants, long sleeves shirts and use of anti-mosquito repellant
- Seek early consultation to the nearest Health Center or Hospital whenever symptoms were seen
- Support fogging or spraying indoors and outdoors to prevent impending outbreak of Dengue
Now that the rainy season is just around the corner, we need to make sure that there are no possible breeding sites for mosquitoes by cleaning our homes and surroundings. We need to strengthen our immune system by eating a healthy diet and having a healthy lifestyle. Do the 4-S against dengue. Remember, “kung walang lamok, walang Dengue!”
Written by: NO I Joyce Ann P. Pardo and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo
References:
- https://doh.gov.ph/national-dengue-prevention-and-control-program
- https://doh.gov.ph/node/16849
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dengue-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20353078
- https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2011/06/02/dengue-awareness-month/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
