Be vigilant against dengue, DOH says

THE Department of Health (DoH) has warned the public not to be complacent about dengue even with the flattening of the case curve following the onset of the rainy season.

In a statement, Health Officer in Charge Albert Francis Domingo said that a slight increase in the number of cases was noted during the weeks of April 14–27 and April 28–May 11, from 5,212 cases to 5,359, or an increase of 3 percent.

However, during the week of May 12–25, only 3,992 cases were reported, suggesting the possibility of a low number of infections.

«The DoH is cautious with this interpretation as case counts may change with late reports coming in, and we are already in the rainy season,» Domingo said.

From the beginning of 2024 until May 25, a total of 67,874 dengue cases have been reported, 189 of whom died.

Dengue, Domingo said, is caused by a virus that mosquitoes spread to people and is common in tropical climates such as the Philippines.

Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and rashes, while other possible symptoms include pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and swollen glands.

«Some people get severe dengue, which can be fatal, and will have to be treated in a hospital. Symptoms of severe dengue often come after the high fever has gone. These symptoms 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,» Domingo said.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that killing mosquitoes remains the only way to prevent dengue, especially in mosquito breeding sites where water can accumulate and stay still.

Also, the DoH advised the use of long sleeves and pants, mosquito-repellent lotions and sprays.

«Dengue is seasonal. 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,» Herbosa said.