Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Experts call for vaccine approval as dengue cases spike

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From January 1 to July 27, 2024 dengue cases in the Philippines increased by 33 percent with 128,833 cases compared to the 97,211 recorded in the same period of last year.

Meanwhile, number of deaths went down to 337 from 378 in 2023.

“Currently, dengue is on the rise, with climate change being a significant factor contributing to the increased disease transmission. The most critical factors associated with dengue are temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity,” said Dr. Bayo Segun, WHO representative, during his presentation at the first Dengue Summit held in Manila last June.

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The 70 percent chance of La Niña occurring in August to October this year will trigger more rainfall in the country. Cooler conditions in the in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific, complemented by the warmer temperatures in the Western Pacific close to the Philippines increase the likelihood of having more low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones.

Increased rainfall can create more breeding sites for mosquitoes, while the warmer temperatures can accelerate mosquito life cycle and replication rate of the dengue virus.

Infectious disease expert from the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination Dr. Anna Ong-Lim highlighted the critical role of climate factors among many others in driving dengue outbreaks. “The shifts in temperature can significantly influence the transmission of dengue. Given the persistent presence of dengue in our region, it is evident that climate change has the potential to intensify the transmission of the disease,” she said.

During the inaugural Dengue Summit, health experts called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve the second-generation vaccine against dengue as cases surge nationwide. This step is crucial in aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of achieving zero dengue deaths by 2030.

“Vaccination reduces or eliminates the impact of variables dependent on behavior. Take COVID, for example. Prior to vaccination availability, preventive measures included mobility restrictions, mask-wearing, social distancing, and minimizing contact outside one’s household. Any lapses in adherence increased the risk of infection. However, with vaccines now available, community restrictions are largely lifted, offering built-in protection. The aim is to replicate this success with other infectious diseases,” Dr. Ong emphasized.

The DOH has been reminding the public on the “5S” strategy: search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; uphold self-protection, like using insect repellents; seek early consultation at the nearest health care facility; support fogging, spraying and misting in hot spot areas; and sustain hydration for symptom management in dengue infection.

In addition to this, Dr. Ong-Lim provided some practical tips to consider while the dengue vaccine is not yet available.

She noted that community-based interventions are crucial and more likely to succeed in controlling the virus-carrying mosquitoes. On an invidual level, preventing mosquito bites is essential to break the transmission cycle of dengue.

Use of Mosquito nets is emphasized in many developing countries to limit transmission during sleeping hours.

Proper water storage practices are also crucial to prevent mosquito proliferation in communities.

Given the unpredictable weather patterns and mosquito behaviors, vaccination is highlighted as an important intervention for preventing severe cases of dengue infection, reducing dependence on behavioral measures.

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