Dengue Information in the Philippines

Number of Dengue Cases as of September 29 this year since January reached 90, 771 although it has been been reported that dengue cases are starting to drop down with a mortality rate of only 1%.

Statistics of Dengue Cases as of September 11, 2010 according to the Department of Health : 84, 023

Number of Deaths Recorded as of September 4, 2010: 543 

Statistics of dengue cases in the Philippines has increased to 62,503 with 465 deaths recorded dated last day of August this year as Enrique Ona, Health Secretary, said in a press conference held at Malacanang. The data show that in a month time dengue cases have dramatically roused to 21, 855 cases from 40, 648 recorded last July 2010.

The press release of the Department of Health (DOH) last August 12, 2010 on dengue statistics in the Philippines was very alarming. According to DOH, the number of dengue cases has roused to 48% from January to the last day of July this year, recording a total of 40, 648 cases.

Since, it’s rainy season now in the Philippines the rate of dengue cases is believed to increase even more. That is why media has been helping the DOH in disseminating valuable information and reliefs to patients especially in affected areas where dengue rate is high.

Symptoms and Signs of Dengue Fever

You cannot immediately feel the effect after a dengue-carrier mosquito has bitten. Normally, it takes 5-8 days before any sign shows off. Here are the symptoms and signs of dengue fever:

• Headache
• Fever (40°C)
• Joints and muscle pains
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash

Please note that dengue fever can drop at a time which makes the patient feel okay which can last for a day. However, this will be followed by a second rise in body temperature with red flushes on the checks and feet.

How to Prevent Dengue

There’s no vaccine yet for dengue fever which is caused by a virus carried by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which are known to bite all throughout the day from sunrise to sunset. You can only prevent dengue by keeping yourself away from mosquito bites. Medications are only for the symptoms and not for the cure of dengue itself. Here are basic ways which you can do:

• Stagnant waters should be emptied if not covered.
• Wear long pants when you are outdoor
• Apply mosquito repellent lotions and creams
• Always keep the surrounding clean

For more info on dengue fever click here.