The Department of Health (DoH) has issued a strong warning to the public against complacency regarding dengue, despite a recent flattening of the case curve. With the onset of the rainy season, the risk of dengue remains significant, and proactive measures are essential to prevent outbreaks.
Recent Dengue Trends
Health Officer in Charge Albert Francis Domingo reported a slight uptick in dengue cases during mid to late April. The number of cases rose from 5,212 in the weeks of April 14-27 to 5,359 in the weeks of April 28-May 11, marking a 3 percent increase. However, a subsequent decline was observed during the week of May 12-25, with cases dropping to 3,992.
Domingo emphasized the need for caution in interpreting these figures, as delayed reports may affect the data. “We are already in the rainy season,” Domingo said, “and case counts may change with late reports coming in.”
Year-to-Date Figures and Fatalities
From the start of 2024 until May 25, a total of 67,874 dengue cases have been reported, with 189 resulting in death. Dengue, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, thrives in tropical climates like the Philippines. The disease manifests with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes. Other possible symptoms include pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and swollen glands.
Severe Dengue Risks
Domingo highlighted the dangers of severe dengue, which can be fatal and typically requires hospitalization. Symptoms of severe dengue often appear after the initial fever subsides and include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums and nose, fatigue, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, intense thirst, pale and cold skin, and feeling weak.
Prevention Measures
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stressed that eliminating mosquito breeding sites is crucial to preventing dengue. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, making it essential to remove or treat potential breeding sites around homes and communities.
The DoH recommends wearing long sleeves and pants and using mosquito-repellent lotions and sprays to minimize exposure to mosquito bites. “Dengue is seasonal,” Herbosa said. “We may have a low case count now, but if we relax, it will go up. Keep killing mosquitoes and stop them from biting you and your loved ones. Let’s keep dengue down.”
Conclusion
As the rainy season continues, vigilance against dengue is critical. The DoH’s call to action underscores the importance of proactive measures in controlling mosquito populations and protecting public health. By remaining vigilant and adopting preventive strategies, communities can help mitigate the risk of dengue outbreaks.
For more information on dengue prevention and control, visit the Department of Health’s official website and stay updated with the latest health advisories.
