Medically Inclined (September 1, 2010) - Dengue fever cases in the Philippines is increasing at an alarming rate with more than 62,000 cases from January to August 21 nationwide.
The Philippine Department of health (DOH), in its press release, states that the incidence of dengue cases rose by as much as 88.8% more than the reported cases last year of 33,102 affected with the condition.
Up to August, data shows that dengue resulted to 465 recorded deaths this year compared to 350 deaths from the condition for the same period.
DOH Secretary Enrique Ona said, "instead of confining patients in a hospital facility, parents and caregivers can practice the D.E.N.G.U.E. strategy."
"D.E.N.G.U.E. stands for D - daily monitoring of patient’s status, E - encourage intake of oral fluids like oresol, water, juices, etc, N – note any dengue warning signs like persistent vomiting and bleeding, G – give paracetamol for fever and NOT aspirin, because aspirin induces bleeding, U – use mosquito nets and E – early consultation is advised for any warning signs,” Ona added.
Dengue fever is an infectious disease brought about by mosquitoes, commonly the Aedes Aegypti--a day biting mosquito, carrying any of four types of dengue virus.
Symptoms of dengue include high fever, up to 105ºF; severe headache; pain behind the eye; severe joint and muscle pain; nausea and vomiting; and rash.
“There is still no cure or vaccine for dengue and that is why we must focus on other cost-effective interventions, the most important of which is source reduction --- destroy the dengue-carrying mosquitoes,” Ona said.
Dengue Cases Update (September 13, 2010): Recent reports say that dengue cases in the Philippines has reached more than 69,000 and is believed to further increase by year's end.
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