WITH the country transitioning to the rainy season, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday asked the public to take measures against dengue, including eliminating breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
“Kill mosquitoes so that the dengue they bring will not kill you,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement.
Other measures against dengue are wearing long sleeves and pants that cover the skin; using mosquito-repellent lotions and sprays; seeking early consultation for any symptoms like fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes; and agreeing to fogging during outbreaks.
The DOH issued the reminder as isolated thunderstorms and rain showers become more frequent even before the rainy season officially starts.
Dengue is a disease caused by bites of virus-carrying aedes aegypti mosquitoes more common in tropical countries like the Philippines.
Dengue symptoms, which usually develops within four to 10 days, include high fever (40 C°), severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, rashes, pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and swollen glands.
Based on DOH data, 59,267 dengue cases have been reported from January 1 to May 4, including 164 deaths.
A downward trend, however, has been observed by the DOH over the previous weeks, from 5,380 cases (March 24 to April 6) to 5,211 cases (April 7 to April 20) to 3,634 cases (April 21 to May 4).
