Red Cross warns of dengue risk

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is warning the public of the risks of dengue fever amid the rainy season and advised Filipinos to take precautions, as well as to cooperate with health interventions to deter hotspots.

In a statement, the PRC advised the public to follow the “4S” protocol against dengue: search and destroy, self-protection measures, seek early consultation and say ‘yes’ to fogging operations.

“(For) search and destroy: cover water drums and pails; replace water in flower vases once a week; clean gutters of leaves and debris; collect and dispose of all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and other items that can collect and hold water,” it said.

The organization also advised self-protective measures such as the wearing of long pants and long-sleeved shirts as well as the daily use of mosquito repellents.

PRC also urged Filipinos to allow fogging in areas where there is an impending outbreak or a hotspot for dengue.

It stressed the importance of seeking early consultation with doctors when fever persists after two days and rashes start to appear.

“If medicine for fever will be given, do not give aspirin. Ensure a person suspected of having dengue is well hydrated. If fever or symptoms persist for two or more days, bring the patient to the nearest hospital,” the PRC said.

According to the Department of Health, dengue is the fastest spreading vector-borne disease in the world endemic in 100 countries – including the Philippines. The risk of transmission is highest during and immediately following the rainy season, which typically occurs from May to November, it added.

The PRC Health Services explained that dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes a severe flu-like illness.

“It can progress into two life-threatening conditions: dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The virus that causes dengue is passed on to humans from animals through the bite of an infected mosquito,” the PRC Health Services explained.

The symptoms are sudden onset of high fever, which may last from two to seven days; joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nosebleed when fever starts to subside; abdominal pain; vomiting of coffee-colored matter; dark-colored stool, and difficulty in breathing.

The National Dengue Awareness Month is observed every June by virtue of Proclamation 1204 issued on April 21, 1998 by then-president Fidel Ramos.