Dengue fatal but treatable, DOH says

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/08/17/11/dengue-fatal-treatable-doh-says Posted at 08/17/2011 6:08 PM | Updated as of 08/17/2011 6:08 PM MANILA, Philippines - Dengue fever is fatal but can be treated, a Department of Health (DOH) official said Wednesday. Dr. Lyndon Leesuy, manager of the DOH's Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases Program, said early detection of the disease is important. He encouraged the public to seek a doctor's help once they experience continuous fever for 48 hours. A test should be made if the fever is dengue, he said. Leesuy added that its easy to treat dengue in the early stage of the disease . He said parents should also know the signs and symptoms of the 4 grades of dengue, which are: Grade 1- fever, difficulty in breathing, abnominal pain, rashes. Grade 2- All the symptoms of Grade 1, spontaneous bleeding. Rashes can appear in any grade of dengue. Grade 3- Circulatory failure, weak pulse, bleeding, and low blood pressure Grade 4- Shock and possibly death if the body of the patient is weak and immune system is low. Leesuy also reiterated that if the dengue enters Stage 3, the patient can suffer from complications like organ failure, central nervous system problem, encephalitis, and others.