DOH: Second dengue attack more fatal than first

A second dengue attack may be more fatal than the first, according to the Department of Health.

DOH regional director Susana Madarietta said that dengue can be fatal on its second attack because the second attack may cause abnormalities in the blood vessels and may lower the immune system.

Madarietta explained that the body develops antibodies the moment a person is sick with dengue. However, when that person gets well and is afflicted with dengue again, the antibodies that were developed the first time the person got dengue will mix with the new virus strain, causing abnormalities in the blood vessels and in the body’s immune system.

Dengue, Madarietta said, has four types namely the mild type, serious type, hemorrhagic bleeding and shock. When the patient goes into a shock, chances of survival are slim.

The DOH also said that the dengue strain today is quite different because it now affects older people and not just children. Based on current DOH-7 records, dengue patients here range from five days old to 92 years old.

Madarietta also said that having fever for two to three days may already be a symptom of dengue and advised parents not to be complacent and to seek early medical intervention.

Central Visayas has the most number of dengue fatalities nationwide last year where 6,640 cases were recorded with 148 deaths comprising 2.2 percent mortality rate while the region landed number three in the most number of dengue incidence.

This year Central Visayas already has 268 cases from January 1 to 28 with 3 deaths.

Cebu is among the top 10 areas in the region with the highest dengue cases. The areas in the province with dengue cases are the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, Naga and Toledo and the towns of Minglanilla and San Fernando.  — Jasmin R. Uy/ QSB