DOH: Breeding areas of dengue-carrying mosquitoes may rise after 6 storms

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday warned that breeding areas of mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus may increase following the six consecutive tropical cyclones that hit the country.

In an advisory, the DOH reminded the public to remove stagnant water and to consult early should they experience symptoms of dengue, particularly in regions affected by tropical cyclones Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito.

"Matapos ang sunud sunod na bagyo, maaaring mas marami ang mga nakatenggang lugar na may tubig. Dito namumugad ang mga lamok na nagdadala ng dengue virus," the DOH said.

(After the successive tropical cyclones, there may be more stagnant water areas. Mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus breed there.)

There were 17,033 cases recorded from October 20 to November 2, 2024, which is 17% lower compared to 20,498 cases from October 6 to 19, 2024.

Further, there has been no reported rise in new dengue cases in the mentioned regions in the past six weeks.

Data related to the effects of the storm that may not have been recorded yet are also being looked at, the DOH said.

According to the agency, there were 340,860 cases of dengue recorded from the start of 2024 to November 16, 2024, up 81% compared to the 188,574 cases reported during the same period in 2023.

A total of 881 deaths were reported, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.26% compared to the CFR of 0.34% in 2023. The DOH attributed the consistently lower CFR despite the higher number of new cases this year to more timely screening, testing, and proper treatment.

Common in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines, dengue is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes.

Most cases of dengue are asymptomatic. Symptoms include high fever (40 C), severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and rash. There may also be pain behind the eyes, vomiting, and swollen glands, the DOH said.

Symptoms start from four to 10 days after the mosquito bite and may last from two to seven days. Most symptoms are gone within one to two weeks.

However, some people develop severe dengue that requires hospital treatment.

Symptoms of severe dengue usually come after the high fever has subsided. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums and nose, fatigue, anxiety, blood in vomit or stool, extreme thirst, pale and cool skin, and weakness.

The DOH said the best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day.

"Hanapin at tuyuin ang mga napag-ipunan ng tubig mula sa mga nagdaang bagyo. Takpan ang balat ng maayos na damit, at gumamit ng insect repellent. Kumonsulta sa pinakamalapit na klinika o health center kung may sintomas na ng dengue. Ang lahat ng mga LGU, barangay, at pamilya ay dapat na aktibo sa pagpapanatiling ligtas sa dengue ang ating mga komunidad,'' said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

(Locate any excess water from previous storms and dry it up. Cover your skin with proper clothing, and use insect repellent. Consult the nearest clinic or health center if you have symptoms of dengue. All LGUs, barangays, and families must be active in keeping our communities safe from dengue.) — Jamil Santos/VBL, GMA Integrated News