DOH warns vs dengue, flu as rainy season nears

With the rainy season due to arrive in two weeks, Philippine health authorities reminded the public Wednesday to take precautions against the killer disease dengue. National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag made the reminder after noting a 50-percent rise in dengue cases compared to the same period last year. "Magpapatuloy ito lalo mag-uumpisa ang tag-ulan, so kailangan makapaghanda (Dengue cases are likely to come once the rainy season starts, so we must take precautions)," Tayag said in an interview on dwIZ radio. The World Health Organization says dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. Dengue virus infections are common in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Symptoms appear 3—14 days after the infective bite. Dengue fever is a febrile illness that affects infants, young children and adults. Dengue cases Citing records from his office, Tayag said at least 4,000 dengue cases have been recorded as of April 2010. He said this was a 50-percent rise from the same period last year. He noted the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had said that rains are likely to start in the last part of May. On the other hand, Tayag cautioned against resorting to fogging operations, saying it is more important to keep surroundings clean and dry. Tayag said surroundings should be kept free from stagnant water, where dengue-carrying mosquitoes breed. "Pag sinabing dengue-proof, di ibig sabihin mag-fogging (When we ask people to make their surroundings dengue-proof we do not necessarily advocate fogging)," he said. Lookout vs flu, too Meanwhile, Tayag said his office will also be on the lookout for other diseases such as flu and A(H1N1). "Pag balik iskwela, maaring tumaas ang influenza. Ito ang panahon ng influenza sa atin (When school resumes, there may be a rise in influenza cases. This is the time for the disease)," he said. He also said the Department of Health already started administering vaccination on health workers who are deemed most at risk for A(H1N1). — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV