Two cases of Dengue Fever/Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever were admitted at different sentinel sites for the 36th morbidity week. These cases came from Morong and Orion.

A total of 65 cases of Dengue Fever/Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever were admitted at the different sentinel sites from January 1 to September 10, 2005. This number of admission is 46% lower compared to the same period last year (65 cases against 95 cases).  The mostly affected municipalities were Balanga with 14 cases (21%) and Orion with 10 cases (15%).  Ages of cases ranged from 1 to 52 years old (Median: 14 / Mode: 19).  Majority of the cases were male (52%).  No clustering was noted.

What is Dengue?

Dengue Fever/Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is an acute febrile viral disease.  Common signs and symptoms includes fever (lasting usually from 3-5 days), intense headache, muscle and joint pains, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, rashes and bleeding (usually gum and nose).

What to do in case signs/symptoms were noted?

• Take paracetamol, NOT ASPIRIN, to relieve pain and fever.
• Rest and re-hydrate (drink lots of fluids like fruit juices and soups).
• Go to the nearest health center or health clinic for early management and reporting.

What to do to stop the spread of dengue?

The most important aspect in the control of dengue-carrying-mosquito is source reduction.  These type of mosquitoes are containers breeders.  They breed in and out of homes where natural or artificial containers with clean and organically water are present.  To stop them from spreading the dengue virus, please do the following:

• Clean the surroundings.  Destroy or alter mosquito breeding sites (empty cans and bottles, old tires, bamboo fences, coconut husks, jars, and other water-collecting containers).
• Protect the case/patient from mosquito bite to stop transmission.
• Share correct information about dengue to friends and neighbors.

Fig. 1  Dengue Cases by Municipality/City
      Sentinel Sites, Bataan, 25th MW, 2007-2008