Dengue cases expected to surge during rainy season, warns DOH | ABS-CBN

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Dengue cases expected to surge during rainy season, warns DOH

Dengue cases expected to surge during rainy season, warns DOH

Izzy Lee,

ABS-CBN News

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A child gets a Complete Blood Count test to check for dengue fever  at the Potrero Super Health Center in Malabon City on July 15, 2022. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/FileA child gets a Complete Blood Count test to check for dengue fever  at the Potrero Super Health Center in Malabon City on July 15, 2022. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- The Department of Health warned the public of the expected surge in dengue cases now that the rainy season has officially started in the Philippines. 

Ma. Filipinas David takes daily measures to protect her family from the threat of dengue. Noticing an increase in mosquitoes in her house, she ensures her home is meticulously cleaned inside and out.

"‘Pag sobrang gabi na ‘dun na umaano ‘yung mga lamok. Nag-aalala din kasi baka magka-dengue. Marami po kasing mga bata dito eh – may pamangkin tsaka isang baby po," she said.

(Late at night, the mosquitoes come out. I worry about dengue, especially with many children here, including a baby and my niece.)

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Beyond using insect repellant lotion, David and her family actively eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites, removing standing water and clearing out containers.

"Naglilinis kami, katulad ngayon naglilinis kami. Inaalis namin yung mga may tubig-tubig na na-i-ipon tapos lahat ng kalat, ‘yung mga containers," she said.

(We clean regularly, like now, we are removing any accumulated water, and all the clutter, including containers.)

Meanwhile, Barangay Quirino 2B in Quezon City is also proactive despite not having frequent dengue cases. Monthly, they place mosquito larva traps in every home and conduct regular clean-up drives and fogging.

"Para malaman natin ‘yung lugar na pinaglalagyan natin kung merong namumuong dumi o ano ng lamok. Para at least malaman natin kung positive siya o negative... Kailangan din natin monitor kasi ‘di mo rin alam kung kailan o saan magakakaroon ng dengue sa lugar namin," said barangay kagawad Susan Ayson.

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(We monitor areas where dirt and mosquitoes might accumulate to determine if they are positive or negative for larvae. Regular monitoring is essential because we never know when dengue might strike.)

According to the Department of Health (DOH), dengue cases dropped from 5,359 in late April to early May to 3,992 from May 12 to 25.

"Kahit nakikita naming bumababa ‘yung numero, yung bilang ng kaso ng dengue nationwide, hindi pa rin kami natutuwa kasi alam natin ‘pag panahon ng tag-ulan, dumadami ang kaso ng dengue," said DOH Spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo.

(Even though we see the number of dengue cases nationwide decreasing, we are still not satisfied because we know that during the rainy season, dengue cases increase.)

Domingo added that mosquitoes breed in any stagnant water, whether in gutters, small buckets, or old car tires. If mosquitoes carrying dengue lay eggs, it becomes a mosquito with dengue.

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"Dahil tag-ulan na at mas maraming tubig kaya bumubuhos talaga literal ‘yung tubig dahil umuulan nang malakas eh mas malaki po ‘yung pagkakataon na mangitlog yung mga lamok at magkaroon sila ng mga pugad na may kiti-kiti," he said.

(Because it’s the rainy season and there's a lot of water pouring due to heavy rains, there's a greater chance for mosquitoes to lay eggs and create breeding grounds with larvae.)

In 2016, the Philippines was the first to use the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, which led to controversy after Sanofi disclosed a year later that it could potentially worsen symptoms in individuals not previously infected with the virus.

"Nananatili ang DOH sa sinasabi naming siguro ‘yung ating problem noon was ‘yung ating bagong bakuna kasi ‘di pa kasi siya masyadong kakilala at kaaral," he said.

(The DOH maintains that our problem back then was likely our new vaccine because it wasn't yet well-known or well-studied.)

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"Kailangan mag-apply ang kumpanya ng certificate of product registration para makita ng ating dalubhasa na ito ay safe and effective. Ang lahat ng mga bakunang dumaan sa masusing pag-aaral at nakita ng ating FDA [Food and Drug Administration] at inaral nang safe ay ating dapat tinitignan. Wala pa tayong ganu’ng application sa ngayon. When that happens, we will consider that for vaccination programs," he added.

(The vaccine manufacturer needs to apply for a certificate of product registration for our experts to see that it is safe and effective. All vaccines that have undergone thorough study and have been deemed safe by FDA should be considered. We don't have such an application yet, but when that happens, we will consider it for vaccination programs.)

The DOH continues to advise the public to use preventive measures such as wearing long sleeves and pants, applying mosquito repellant lotion, and seeking medical advice if dengue symptoms appear.

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