DENGUE

A mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and sometimes causing a potentially lethal
complication called severe dengue (previously known as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever).
Dengue virus is transmitted by day biting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
On July 15, DOH Sec. Duque declared a National Dengue Alert

World Health Organization Jan 1 - June 29, 2019 Regions exceeded the epidemic
DOH reported that they have threshold are MIMAROPA,
50 TO 100 million recorded 106,630 dengue Western and Central Visayas,
infections occur yearly. cases nationwide and Northern Mindanao

SYMPTOMS
A person infected by the dengue virus develops severe Severe Dengue is a potentially deadly complication due to
flu-like symptoms. Individuals should suspect dengue Plasma leaking, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress,
when a high fever (40°C/ 104°F) is accompanied by two of severe bleeding, or organ impairment. The warning signs
the following symptoms: to look out for occur 3-7 days after the first symptoms in
conjunction with a decrease in temperature (below 38°C/
• Severe headache 100°F) include:
• Pain behind the eyes • Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea, Vomiting • Persistent vomiting
• Swollen glands • Rapid breathing
• Muscle and joint pains • Bleeding gums
• Rash • Blood in vomit
Symptoms usually last for 2-7 days, after an incubation
• Fatigue, restlessness
period of 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected
The next 24-48 hours of the critical stage can be lethal;
mosquito.
proper medical care is needed to avoid complications and
risk of death.

TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment for Dengue fever.
Patients should seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids.
For severe dengue, medical care by physicians and nurses experienced with the effects and progression of the disease can
frequently save lives.
Maintenance of the patient's circulating fluid volume is the central feature of such care.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
DOH encourages the public to practice the 4-S campaign against dengue.
The Enhanced 4-S campaign stands for:
1. Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites,
2. Secure Self-protection measures like wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and daily
use of mosquito repellent,
3. Seek early consultation, and
4. Support fogging/spraying only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for
two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Dengue. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/faqfacts/index.html
DOH. (Nd). Dengue Prevention Program. Retrieved from https://www.doh.gov.ph/national-dengue-prevention-and-control-program
World Health Organization. (Nd). Dengue Control. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/denguecontrol/human/en/

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