Dengue Virus

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Dengue Fever is an acute illness transmitted through the bite of the Stegomyia albopticus formerly known as Aedes Aegypti mosquito. There are four known strains of dengue and it attacks people with low immunity. There is also no known specific vaccine or medicine for Dengue. The only treatment is to relieve the patients of the symptoms they experience (e.g. treatments for dehydration and blood transfusions to control bleeding).

According to the World Health Organization, the Philippines is particularly high risk for Dengue since it is a tropical country and it is a suitable environment for breeding of mosquitoes. There are total of 16,317 dengue reported cases as of Sep 1. NCR, Iloilo, North and South Cotabato, Davao del Sur are only some of the areas that have high dengue cases for this year.

Dengue is the second deadliest mosquito-borne disease next to Malaria. It is a very serious disease and some of its complications are:

• Pneumonia
• Inflammation of the heart
• Liver failure
• Damaged to brain due to bleeding

Remember Dengue kills! Protect your family from this disease.

FAQ about Dengue Virus

Q: What are the danger signs of dengue?

A: The following are possible signs to look out for:

• Spontaneous Bleeding
• Sudden onset of High Fever
• Nose Bleeding
• Abdominal Pain
• Persistent Vomiting
• Cold, sweaty skin
• Listlessness
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Difficulty of Breathing
• Dark Colored Stool or Blood in the Stool

Q: What is the drug/treatment for dengue?

A: There is no vaccine yet against dengue. Do not give aspirin for fever. Give sufficient amount of water or rehydrate a dengue suspect. If fever or symptoms persist for 2 or more days bring the patient to the nearest hospital.

Q: Can fogging prevent dengue?

A: Fogging is used to kill adult mosquitoes infected with the virus to immediately stop transmission. It is recommended as a preventive measure as it will be very costly to do fogging every seven days. It will not kill the larvae of the mosquitoes which become adults in 7-8 days.

Q: What can I do to protect myself against the disease and the insects that carry it?

A: Here are some Dengue prevention tips for you and your family.

• Cleanliness! Keep your surroundings clean! This is one of the most important prevention keys for dengue.
• Cover water drums, pails and the likes to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
• Replace water in vase at least once a week.
• Clean gutters from leaves and debris so that rain water will not collect and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Dispose old tires, unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and the likes since it can collect water.
• Use mosquito repellant lotion/spray especially during early morning (4 am to 11 am) and late afternoon (4pm to 6 pm) since those are the high risk time on acquiring Dengue.