Dengue in the Philippines: Understanding the Threat and Taking Action

The dengue fever endemic in the Philippines has been a continuous and prevalent health issue in the country. According to the Department of Health, 72,333 dengue cases were recorded in the first half of 2023¬¬––which was 14% higher than last year. As it’s a viral infection commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, the environment in the Philippines is prone to the disease.

So, as dengue continues to be a common health problem among Filipinos, it’s important to learn about the disease, understand its behavior, and gain awareness of how it can be treated and prevented. That way, you are prepared to deal with the illness in case you or your loved ones get it.

What are Dengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Dengue is a disease caused by any of the four dengue viruses: DENV 1 to DENV 4. These viruses are transmitted through a bite of an infected mosquito––suddenly afflicting people with flu-like signs.

While the onset of dengue can present mild symptoms, it can lead to severe infections like Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). If these illnesses are left unrecognized and untreated, it can be fatal.

So, where is dengue found?

Dengue is most common in cities but is often found in rural areas. The mosquitoes that transmit dengue generally live among humans and breed in discarded tires, flowerpots, old oil drums, and water storage containers close to human dwellings. Unlike mosquitoes that cause malaria, dengue mosquitoes bite during the day.

How is Dengue Transmitted?

Dengue is transmitted by only two types of mosquitoes, the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The transmission cycle of the disease begins when any of these Aedes mosquitoes carrying the virus bite a person. The mosquito then becomes a potential vector, capable of transmitting the virus to other individuals it subsequently bites, and this transmission cycle perpetuates the spread of the disease.

If you’re wondering if you can catch the disease directly from a person with the disease, the answer is no. The spread is only through the mosquitoes carrying the disease.

The Signs and Symptoms of Dengue in the Philippines

Dengue fever can occur in people of all ages. There is no specific type of person at risk as the disease can happen to anyone. However, its severity can be affected by your age and the strain of the virus.

So, what is the first sign of dengue fever? The first indication that you have the disease is usually a sudden affliction of high fever, severe headache, fatigue, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pains.

Other signs and symptoms of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common.
• A rash usually appears 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever.
• If symptoms persist, you can develop severe abdominal pain and difficulty breathing.
• You can develop skin hemorrhages through the tendency to bruise easily, bleeding through the nose or gums, or internal bleeding.

The symptoms of dengue fever in the Philippines average 4 to 6 days from the time between the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. And while an infected person cannot spread the infection to other people, they can be a source of dengue virus for mosquitoes for about 6 days.

The illness itself can last from 7 to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month. Older children and adults usually feel sicker than young children when they’re afflicted with the disease.

Available Dengue Fever Treatments in the Philippines

Generally, there is no specific medication or treatment for dengue infection since it presents flu-like symptoms.¬ However, if you think you have the disease, here are some healthcare tips you can do:

1. Supportive Care

   As there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, supportive care is the primary approach to managing the disease. Supportive care includes:

   • Hydration: Adequate fluid intake is crucial to prevent dehydration, especially in cases with persistent vomiting and diarrhea. Do what you can to replace lost fluids through constant hydration.
   • Pain Relief: You can use pain relievers (analgesics) with acetaminophen and avoid those containing aspirin as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the risk of bleeding.
   • Rest: Like with any other sickness, it’s important to get enough rest when you have dengue fever. Recovering your strength is of the utmost priority.

2. Monitoring

   If you or your loved ones have dengue fever, it’s critical to monitor the behavior of the disease and the development of your symptoms. Regular check-ups and timely intervention can save lives in severe cases.

3. Hospitalization

   In case you have severe dengue such as DHF or DSS, hospitalization is required. Receiving treatment in a medical facility can involve intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and intensive care¬¬––ensuring that you get the medical regimens you need.

The treatments for dengue fever are dependent on the severity of your illness. It’s best to keep the symptoms in mind to gauge whether you need to seek medical assistance.

Chances of Getting Dengue Again

If you’ve been previously infected with dengue fever, you may be wondering if you can get it again. Unfortunately, infection with one variant of the virus does not protect you against infection with another one of its variants. However, the antibodies you gain from your previous ailment can protect you against infection of the same virus type.

Also, if you were previously infected with one or more types of the dengue virus, you are at greater risk for developing severe dengue hemorrhagic fever in case you get infected again. So, it’s important to be vigilant in preventing the disease.

Dengue Prevention Tips

While dengue is prevalent in tropical countries like the Philippines, there are a few dengue prevention tips you can use to limit the disease from affecting you and your family and mitigate its spread.

1. Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites

   One of the most effective methods is to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites around your home and its surrounding areas. This includes:

   • Removing standing water: Emptying and covering containers that collect water can lessen breeding areas for mosquitoes.
   • Regularly cleaning and maintaining water storage containers: Mosquitoes can breed in poorly maintained water storage containers so it’s best to include regular cleaning of various basins in your chore schedule. Vases with fresh flowers and animal watering containers should be emptied and cleaned at least once a week to remove mosquito eggs.
   • Using larvicides: In some cases, larvicides can be used to treat water sources that cannot be emptied, such as water storage tanks. However, ask your local water supplier or hardware stores for any water-cleaning solutions and tips that are safe to use.

2. Personal Protection

   You can protect yourselves and your loved ones from mosquito bites by:

   • Using mosquito nets or screens: Sleeping under mosquito nets or in rooms with window and door screens can prevent mosquitoes from getting near you.
   • Wearing protective clothing: Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes can reduce exposure, especially if you’re going to mosquito-prone areas. If you can, avoid heavily populated residential areas.
   • Applying mosquito repellent: Using insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing can deter mosquitoes. You can buy these repellents in your local drug stores or grocery stores.

3. Community-Level Efforts

   Community-based vector control programs can help reduce mosquito populations through raising awareness and collective solutions that can aid your neighborhood. A few programs you can do as a community are:

   • Insecticide spraying: Indoor residual spraying with insecticides can target Aedes mosquitoes. Partnering with insecticide companies to help your community eliminate these insects can limit the spread of the disease.
   • Public awareness campaigns: Education and awareness initiatives teach communities about dengue risks and preventive measures. By proactively sharing information on dengue, you can advocate for a cleaner and healthier environment for your neighborhood.

Dengue fever in the Philippines remains a persistent and challenging public health issue, affecting communities and straining healthcare resources. As our country grapples with this mosquito-borne disease, ongoing efforts to control mosquito populations, improve healthcare access, and raise public awareness are crucial steps toward reducing the burden of dengue.

Awareness, education, and timely medical care are vital components in the battle against this disease. And by understanding its transmission, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies, you and your community can work together to combat this persistent health challenge.