Know more about Dengue Fever

The case of Dengue Fever especially in the Philippines has been very alarming. Residents should be aware on the danger it brings to our home and society. Almost everyday a new case of dengue has been reported for the past months and Ive been thinking that this is no longer seasonal but a year round.

Dengue Fever or DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER is an acute infectious disease manifested initially with fever.

According to the Department of Health the transmission of Dengue Fever: Aedes aegypti, the transmitter of the disease, is a day-biting mosquito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires, etc. The adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.

Residents should take note of the Signs and Symptoms of Dengue Fever:

• Sudden onset of high fever which may last 2 to 7 days.
• Joint & muscle pain and pain behind the eyes.
• Weakness
• Skin rashes – maculopapular rash or red tiny spots on the skin called petechiae
• Nosebleeding when fever starts to subside
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting of coffee-colored matter
• Dark-colored stools

Prevention and Control

• Cover water drums and water pails at all times to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
• Replace water in flower vases once a week.
• Clean all water containers once a week. Scrub the sides well to remove eggs of mosquitoes sticking to the sides.
• Clean gutters of leaves and debris so that rain water will not collect as breeding places of mosquitoes.
• Old tires used as roof support should be punctured or cut to avoid accumulation of water.
• Collect and dispose all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and other items that can collect and hold water.

It is really very important for each one of us to maintain cleanliness to our body and environment this may help prevent and keep our family safe from Dengue Fever.