Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, continues to be a major public health concern in many parts of the world. As temperatures rise and mosquito populations surge, it's crucial to equip ourselves with knowledge about this potentially life-threatening disease.
Dengue remains to be a major public health problem in the Philippines. But it is reassuring to know that medical science has continued to develop and is working on real solutions, such as new vaccines and other novel and ingenious solutions that address the dengue crisis head on.
The Culprit: Aedes Mosquitoes
Dengue is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes aegypti species. These mosquitoes are often found in tropical and subtropical regions, making many parts of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas vulnerable to dengue outbreaks.
The inaugural Dengue Forum titled “Addressing the Mosquito in the Room” held last Wednesday, 27 September, aimed to amplify the conversation on dengue as a public health concern in the Philippines. The event was organized by RiseAboveNow Business Consulting Group (RAN-BCG) and was supported by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Department of Health (DOH).
Between 1 January and 9 September of this year, 125,975 dengue cases were reported across the nation, so far lower compared to cases in the last five years. Since mid-June 2023, 5,000 cases have been registered on an average every week, according to the Department of Health (DOH), Philippines. Despite the plateauing dengue cases, the DOH is not shutting down the possibility of an uptick in cases during the coming rainy season.
Dengue fever often presents with flu-like symptoms, including:
- ▪️High fever
- ▪️Severe headache
- ▪️Pain behind the eyes
- ▪️Joint and muscle pain
- ▪️Rash
- ▪️Mild bleeding, such as nosebleeds and gum bleeding
Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever):
In some cases, dengue can progress to severe forms, marked by:
- ▪️Severe abdominal pain
- ▪️Persistent vomiting
- ▪️Rapid breathing
- ▪️Bleeding from the nose or gums
- ▪️Fatigue, restlessness, or irritability
Severe dengue can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
In an official statement, Secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) Teodoro J. Herbosa, MD, emphasized the urgency of the event, and the importance of a holistic approach: “This event carries profound significance as it highlights the importance of a Philippine Collaborative response framework. Dengue is a self-limiting disease, there is currently no definitive therapy or regimen available,” he stressed. With the COVID-19 threat now effectively mitigated, dengue now looms as the one of the most prevalent health concerns in tropical countries such as the Philippines.
Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, MHA, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, and pediatrician Dr. Maria Fatima Gualberto of Otsuka Solar Phils. Inc. of Japan shared that dengue was among the leading causes of hospitalization in the post COVID-19 era. While Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano of DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau pointed out that dengue was the second biggest health condition in terms of cost for PhilHealth claims nationwide in the last year.
Meanwhile Ms. Angelica Garcia of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, shared the alarming truth, that statistically, 56% of all dengue fatalities are children 9 years old or younger. Furthermore, 70% of all dengue cases are people 19 years old or younger.
Representatives from Local Government Units where dengue incidence was relatively low namely Pasig, Caloocan, Quezon City and Baguio shared their best practices in the area of vector control, or eradication of mosquitoes, emphasizing adherence to the Five S method of controlling dengue: Search and destroy, Self-protect, Seek consultation, Support fogging, Sustained Hydration.
New hope, a LOT of new hope.
However, the most promising news came from the medical experts on hand, who shared that there are in fact new weapons that are available in the war against dengue. Consultant to the DOH and eminent infectious disease authority, Dr. Rontgene Solante fully acknowledged the need for stringent vector control, but he cautioned: “If you focus only on vector control, there is a possibility that it can also reduce herd immunity.” Dr. Solante then shared that there are in fact second-generation dengue vaccines, one that is actually already licensed for use in over 30 countries, including ASEAN neighbors Indonesia and more recently Thailand.
This vaccine are far more advanced than the previous generation. They can be administered safely to people whether or not they have previously had dengue. Numbers are also significantly better than 1st gen vaccine. Solante shared that the TAK003 vaccine already licensed in over 30 countries are 80.2% effective at preventing dengue infection, compared to just 56% for first gen vaccine, it is also 95.4% effective at preventing severe dengue, whereas first generation vaccine had only 91% efficacy.
Dr. Solante shared that the reason behind the superiority of 2nd generation vaccines was that they were engineered on a dengue virus backbone, whereas the 1st generation was built on a Yellow Fever backbone..
Dengue fever is a serious health threat in many parts of the world, but with the right knowledge and proactive measures, we can reduce its impact. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies is the first step toward safeguarding yourself and your community from this mosquito-borne disease.
Remember that early detection and medical care are crucial for managing dengue effectively, so seek medical attention promptly if you suspect you or someone you know may have contracted the virus.
Together, we can work towards a dengue-free future.
Comments