"Dengue is fast emerging pandemic-prone viral disease in many parts of the world. Dengue flourishes in urban poor areas, suburbs and the countryside but also affects more affluent neighborhoods in tropical and subtropical countries" , says World Health Organization (WHO).
There were over 55,079 suspected Dengue cases recorded in the Philippines by the Department of Heath (DOH) from January 1 to August 8 ,2015 and it has been potentially fatal and mainly affecting children.
What is Dengue ?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease characterized by plasma leakage with or without hemorrhage. This disease is present all year round and is caused by day-biting mosquitoes.
How is it transmitted ?
It can be transmitted through bites from female mosquitoes " Aedes aegpypti " that lay their eggs in water-filled habitats, mostly in artificial containers associated with human dwellings and indoors.
What are the probable signs and symptoms ?
The symptoms of Dengue may include but not limited to the following:
- fever
- body weakness
- headache
- vomitting
- rash
- positive in " tourniquet test".
- Leukopenia or decrease of white blood cells count in the blood
- non-specific respiratory symptoms
Here are some of the warning signs or advance symptoms
- abdominal pain
- persistent vomiting
- bleeding
- increased hematocrit in the blood
- restlessness
- circulatory failure
What to do when signs and symptoms are present?
- Consult your doctor at once when signs and symptoms are present for more than 2 days.
- Monitor your child and continue giving him/her fluids (pedialyte/ORS solution).
- Remove or clean daily all breeding sources of mosquitoes like : artificial containers , drums , garden areas, pool areas, fountain areas, canals, etc..
- Apply mosquito repellant. For my children I use " Human Heart Nature's 100% Natural Bug Shield Mosquito Repellant".
- Let your child wear long garments or socks and avoid wearing dark clothes.
- Dry off perspiration , this is a mosquito " attractant ".
- Give analgesic of choice for fever and pains.
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