HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has sounded the alarm in connection with the marked increase in the incidence of dengue. The mosquito-borne virus is attacking humanity again, and a surge has been observed in the Philippines and other tropical and subtropical countries.
The health secretary told reporters that he will soon be declaring a dengue outbreak, noting that the increase in dengue is not only confined in certain regions, but is observed nationwide.
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier reported that there have been 136,161 dengue cases reported from January 1 to August 3. This is 33 percent higher compared to the 102,374 cases recorded during the same period last year.
To fight and control dengue, it is important to know what this disease is all about, how it is transmitted from one person to another, with the unfortunate potential to being an epidemic.
‘Basic cleanliness in our surroundings is the key to defeating dengue, and this is not hard to do.’
The World Health Organization (WHO) said dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease is found in tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. About half of the world’s population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections every year.
While dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce only mild illness, the virus can occasionally cause more severe cases, and even death. The WHO added that prevention and control of dengue depend on vector control. There is no specific treatment for dengue and severe dengue, and early detection and access to proper medical care greatly lower fatality rates of severe dengue.
The WHO also said there is no specific treatment for dengue. The focus is on treating symptoms. Most cases of dengue fever can be treated at home with pain medicine, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are avoided as they can increase the risk of bleeding. For patients with severe dengue, hospitalization is often needed.
Secretary Herbosa announced that the coming declaration of a dengue outbreak is based on the evaluation of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, that “our dengue cases are on outbreak levels.” The Department last declared a national dengue epidemic in August 2019.
The formal declaration of local disease outbreaks will come from provincial, city, or municipal authorities as provided under the “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Law.” For sure, the DOH will guide local officials on when to make a declaration. When an outbreak occurs in a particular town, city or province, most of the burden of fighting and controlling the spread of the disease will have to be borne by the local government unit.
Since local health officials, doctors, nurses and barangay health workers are involved here, it is important for them to know the characteristics of the dengue virus and the symptoms of infected patients. Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in one to two weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death.
The DOH has publicized its “4S Strategy against Dengue” which should take precedence ii all other city, town and barangay information campaigns.
This refers to “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and their containers; “Self-protection” measures like insect repellent and wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants; “Seek” early consultation with a doctor or health worker for any symptoms; and “Support” fogging or spraying in local hotspot or outbreak areas where an increase in cases is registered.
Basic cleanliness in our surroundings is the key to defeating dengue, and this is not hard to do.
