Dengue is a serious viral infection caused by the bite of the aedes mosquito (female) carrying the virus. It can affect children and adults alike, with symptoms showing within 3, even up to 14 days, after the bite. In the Philippines, there were 200,415 reported cases of Dengue fever in 2015, a 60% increase over the previous year.
“Dengue is rife in Philippines and unless we join forces, the disease will become the fastest spreading health threat in Philippines,” shares Heather Pelier, General Manager of GSK Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH).
Heather Pelier, General Manager of GSK Consumer Healthcare, shares alarming updates on Dengue in the Philippines.
GSKCH recently launched the Allied Against Dengue (AAD) campaign together with the Department of Health, Philippine Pharmacists Association, Mercury Drug Corporation, and other organizations, in a united effort to “to reduce the impact of dengue burden on Filipinos.”
With empowerment and education as key, close to 1200 doctors and pharmacists have been engaged to teach both their patients and the public about prevention and proper management of Dengue fever.
On the next page: Dengue symptoms and prevention
Know the signs.
Here are common symptoms of Dengue fever that moms should know:
- Sudden high fever
- Joint and muscle pain
- Fatigue, nausea
- Skin rash
- Headaches
- Easy bruising
- Mild bleeding (nose, gums)
Seek medical help immediately upon observation of these signs in the patient.
More than an ounce of prevention.
Here are some ideas to prevent the aedes mosquito from breeding in your area.
- Avoid having stagnant water in your home (water gathering/collected in artificial containers: flower vases, pails, concrete drains, roof gutters, gully traps; as well as natural containers: tree holes, ground depressions). Be aware of these areas and inspect within and outside your home to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Change water in vases every other day and turn artificial containers upside down when not in use.
- Check your landscape for any water retention, you could also add insecticides to prevent them from breeding.
There are also ways to prevent yourself from getting bitten by mosquitoes.
- Wear closed shoes, high socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts
- Mosquito repellents are a must
- Use mosquito nets and coils
Read: There are now human-scented lamps that could put an end to dengue outbreaks
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