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Re: Dengue Fever/Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
With the onset of the rainy season, viral infections and mosquito borne illnesses are becoming common. One of the latter is Dengue Fever. To date, many areas in Metro Manila have already been affected. As part of disease prevention, this information is hereby disseminated.
Dengue is an acute viral illness that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, Aedes Aegypti, and occurs in two forms: dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. The first form is more common in older children and adults; symptoms include abrupt onset of high fever with headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle/joint pains and rash. There could also be abdominal pain, vomiting, nose and gum bleeding. The second form is a potentially deadly complication and is more common in children less than 15 years of age. Symptoms are similar to the first form along with circulatory failure and shock.
The transmitters of the disease are day biting mosquitoes that usually thrive in and around the household; they lay eggs in clear water containers, water puddles, drainage, etc. Thus, anybody, whether in slum areas or in exclusive subdivisions can be afflicted. There is no specific treatment for this disease. PREVENTION is still the best intervention. The following preventive measures are highly advised:
1. Elimination of mosquito breeding places
1. cover all water containers like jars or pails
2. dispose of garbage properly especially those that collect rain water like tin cans, empty bottles, old tires, etc.
3. change water containers for plant vases etc., at least every other day
4. check clogged roof gutters, this could hold water and serve as a mosquito breeding place
2. Prevention of mosquito bites
1. use of screen on windows and doorways
2. use of mosquito nets, electric mosquito repellers, lotion repellants and water based insect sprays
3. use of long sleeve shirts and long pants as needed
3. Early consultation in case of a suspicion of Dengue Fever infection
Corazon B. Batoon, MD, DPPS
School Physician
Philippine Science High School
Diliman, Quezon City
(Source: http://www.pshs.edu.ph/)
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