MEDICINE CABINET
REINER W. GLOOR

IN A HOSPITAL in Trece Martires City, Cavite, dengue patients had to be admitted and confined to hospital rooms not sufficiently equipped to deal with the sudden rise in the number of dengue cases and influx of patients.

In Cavite Province alone, the big leap in dengue incidence prompted the Philippine Red Cross to set up an Emergency Field Hospital to accommodate more dengue patients.

With dengue hogging the headlines, Malacañang assured the country on Oct. 4 that the Department of Health (DoH) is closely monitoring dengue incidence in the country, and that the department is on top of the situation.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said the health department has been providing medical services to the provinces, cities, and other areas where there are reports of dengue cases.

While noting that the number of dengue cases has risen in several regions, Mr. Coloma said its incidence has “declined” in other regions as well.

He cited Mimaropa where the number of dengue cases dropped from 1,646 to 1,346; Bicol (from 993 to 868); Western Visayas (from 5,718 to 3,756); Central Visayas (3,481 to 3,326); Eastern Visayas (4,508 to 737); Zamboanga Peninsula (4,743 to 3,981); Northern Mindanao (6,298 to 5,795); the Davao region (5,849 to 2,619); Soccsksargen (5,302 to 5,109); and Caraga (6,946 to 2,598).

The coming season of drought due to El Niño may possibly contribute to an increase in the number of dengue cases. The long hours of water interruption will force household to stockpile water in containers where mosquitoes can breed. These water containers must be covered or properly sealed to prevent them from being used as breeding grounds.

According the January-August 2015 DoH Epidemiology Bureau estimates, 55,079 people were suspected of having been infected with dengue after showing some of its symptoms like high fever, muscle pain, and skin rashes. The figure 55,079 represented a 9.15% increase compared to the same period last year, pegged at 50,492.

The DoH has observed that most of the cases were from Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Northern Mindanao, and Cagayan Valley.

As for the availability of a dengue vaccine in the country, the DoH said the “new vaccine against the dengue virus” is being registered and undergoing strict safety processing at the Food and Drug Administration offices. The DoH said is targeting to launch pilot testing of the vaccine in select areas some time next year.

Since there are no officially approved or prescribed dengue vaccines yet for public consumption, and, at the same time there, no specific medications to treat a dengue infection, prevention is still the No. 1 and the most important step to deal with dengue.

Essentially prevention is avoiding mosquito bites, if possible.

Top among the best ways to eradicate mosquitoes is to eliminate or destroy the places where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Among these breeding grounds are artificial containers that hold water in and around the home. Mosquitoes also breed in clean water containers like pet and animal watering containers, flower vases, and water storage barrels. Water in flower vases must be replaced or changed at least once a week.

Adult dengue-causing mosquitoes prefer to bite both inside and outside residential areas, during the day and at night time, even when the lights are switched on.

It is advisable to use a mosquito repellent on skin surfaces to prevent mosquito bites. If possible and comfortable, wear long sleeved shirts and long pants for further protection. The use of window and door screens, without holes, help in preventing mosquito bites.

If a member of the household is already infected with dengue, take extra precautions to prevent mosquitoes from biting the patient as they may eventually bite other members of the household, infecting them too.

A mosquito-borne flavivirus disease, dengue has spread to most tropical countries, such as the Philippines, and many subtropical areas. The disease is caused by four closely related viruses, the Dengue viruses 1-4.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization is currently reviewing evidence and will advise the WHO on any recommended use of a licensed dengue vaccine. A meeting has been scheduled on April 2016.

Key considerations include vaccine safety, vaccine efficacy, disease burden, programmatic suitability, including dose scheduling, and cost-effectiveness.

Log on to www.phap.org.ph and www.phapcares.org.ph. E-mail the author at reiner.gloor@gmail.com.

Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim

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