The rainy season in the Philippines doesn’t just bring cooler weather and afternoon downpours — it also marks the start of peak dengue fever season. With more stagnant water collecting in homes and neighborhoods, mosquito breeding grounds multiply quickly, raising the risk of dengue infections across the country.
Health authorities, including the Department of Health (DOH), are once again urging the public to stay alert and take active steps to prevent dengue outbreaks during this critical time.
Dengue Fever in the Philippines: A Rising Threat During the Rainy Season
Several barangays and cities have already reported a spike in dengue cases, especially in densely populated areas with poor drainage and sanitation. According to local health offices, the most common mosquito breeding sites include:
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Water-filled flower pots and plant trays
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Unused tires, cans, or containers left outdoors
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Water drums and pails with no cover
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Clogged roof gutters and stagnant puddles
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Construction sites with exposed water collection points
These seemingly harmless items can become breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for spreading dengue fever.
Photo: iStock
What Can You do?
The 5-step Mozzie wipe-out routine set up by NEA takes only a quick 10 minutes. If you follow these steps at the scheduled time, you will keep your homes mosquito-free.
- Every alternate day, change the water in the bowls/vases.
- Every alternate day, throw away water from flower pot plates.
- Cover bamboo pole holders if they are not in use.
- Turn water storage containers upside down, if not used.
- Clean and put BTI insecticide in drains and gutters.
Along with the above five steps,
- Change water daily in storage spaces and keep them covered.
- Clear blockages of drains and gutters.
- Check your surroundings regularly for any discarded item housing stagnant water.
- Use mosquito nets and screens wherever possible.
- Wear clothing that covers your body fully.
Since Aedes mosquito, the vector for dengue fever, bites during daytime, use insect repellent creams and lotions on the exposed parts of the body. Also, use insecticide spray in the corners of your house.
Don’t depend on dengue fever treatment at home, when it can be prevented. | iPhoto: iStock
How You Can Protect Your Family from Dengue
As cases rise, prevention begins at home. Here’s how you can help:
1. Follow the 4S Strategy:
- Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
- Self-protect by using insect repellents and mosquito nets
- Seek early medical attention if dengue symptoms appear
- Support fogging or spraying only in hotspot areas
2. Schedule a weekly “linis-day” with your family or neighborhood
3. Cover all water containers and clean gutters regularly
4. Educate children and household members about dengue signs and prevention
Don’t Wait for a Case to Happen
Dengue is preventable, but only if we act early and consistently. The rainy season may bring life to our surroundings — but it can also bring risk. Let’s work together to make our homes and communities safer, cleaner, and mosquito-free.
Dengue Fever Symptoms
When an infected female Aedes mosquito bites you, the dengue virus transmitted to your body gives you dengue fever. Since Aedes mosquito is very common in Singapore, this issue remains a constant problem.
Dengue fever is of two types and two levels of severity according to 2009 WHO recommendations. If you or anybody you know gets bitten by mosquitoes, look out for the following symptoms.
- Dengue fever
- Fever
- Headache and body pain
- Rashes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Leucopenia (low WBC count)
Signs that the disease is increasing in severity are:
- Persistent vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Liver enlargement
- Lethargy/restlessness
- Mucosal bleeding
- Severe Dengue/ Dengue hemorrhagic fever
- High fever
- Severe plasma leakage leading to shock
- Severe plasma leakage leading to respiratory problems
- Severe bleeding
- Internal organ impairment
Rates of a complete cure are good in the milder version of dengue fever. Once contracted, your high temperature will continue for at least seven days. Recuperation and recovery can take up to a month.
Treatment for Dengue
Dealing with dengue fever can be tough since there’s no specific medicine to knock it out. The main thing is to rest up and drink plenty of fluids to keep dehydration at bay. Sometimes, doctors might recommend pain relievers like acetaminophen to ease the aches and fevers, but avoid medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can make things worse.
If dengue gets severe, it might lead to complications like bleeding, low levels of blood platelets, or blood plasma leakage, which then requires immediate medical attention and possibly even hospital care to manage symptoms and prevent any further trouble. Always keep an eye out for symptoms getting worse and reach out to a healthcare provider if you’re concerned!
When to Visit a Doctor?
Considering the dengue fever symptoms Singapore citizens face, the sooner you visit a doctor, the better. According to the Mayo Clinic, early intervention will cure dengue patients completely. Since your dengue fever will be confirmed by blood tests, chest x-ray, blood pressure and other checks by the doctor, an early visit is advisable.
Reach out to your doctor if you have nosebleeds, clammy skin, bruising under the skin, severe body or abdominal pain, restlessness and sudden drop in blood pressure. Initial treatment is blood pressure monitoring, nursing observation and OTC drugs to control pain. Beyond that, you may need IV fluids, electrolyte therapy, oxygen therapy and blood transfusion.
Remember, there is no vaccination against dengue fever. Thus, precaution and timely remedies are the two lifesavers.
Originally published on theAsianparent Singapore
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