Yesterday, the Department of Health (DOH) declared a national dengue alert because of the growing number of cases of the mosquito-borne disease.  The DOH recorded 106,630 dengue cases nationwide from January 1 to June 29, 2019.  (Source: ABS CBN News)

With a huge number of dengue reported, many of us parents are surely worried. We fear for our family member’s health and safety.  With fervent prayers, let us do what we can to protect our loved ones from Dengue.

Let’s follow DOH’s Enhanced 4-S implementation campaign, which calls for everyone to become prime movers in controlling mosquito population and avoiding any possible dengue deaths within the community.

4S against Dengue

Source: Department of Health

S-  Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites

 S- Secure Self-protection measures 

Apply mosquito repellent daily. Attach mosquito patches on children’s clothes.

Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts.

S- Seek early consultation

The period of the drop in bodily temperature between 3-6 days of infection marks the transition of the disease from mild to more serious categories.

Symptoms of Dengue

• sudden onset of fever of 2 to 7 days
• plus two of the following:
  • headache
  • body weakness
  • joint and muscle pains
  • pain behind the eyes
  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • skin rashes

It is important to seek early consultation between 1-3 days of fever to immediately recognize the disease, which may require the patient to increase fluid intake, especially Oral Rehydration Solution that is proven to be life-saving for dengue patients.

If the fever temperature drops to at least 1° C or to almost normal between 3-6 days, health care providers should watch out if the fever comes back and strictly monitor the possible occurrence of warning signs. These warning signs include abdominal pain or tenderness, persistent vomiting, edema, mucosal bleeding (i.e. mouth, nose, etc.), and lack of energy.

S – Support fogging/spraying

only in hotspot areas where increase in cases is registered for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.

 

Hope this health campaign from DOH can help us protect our families against Dengue.