EDITORIAL - State of dengue calamity

Three provinces are under a state of calamity, with Bulacan the latest to make the declaration the other day. The reason is not a typhoon or destructive flooding, but an alarming spread of dengue. While hemorrhagic fever is not transferred directly from human to human, mosquitoes that transmit the virus can bite people living or working close together.

Left unchecked or misdiagnosed, dengue can progress to an advanced stage leading to a painful death. Early detection is crucial, but the disease often manifests itself at a later stage. Waiting for the manifestation can be expensive as patients lie in hospital rooms, suffering through symptoms including high fever, vomiting and painful stomach cramps while other illnesses are ruled out. The cost of several days of testing followed by treatment including blood transfusions can go as high as P100,000 in private hospitals.

The cost of the treatment process is one of the reasons for the reluctance of people to seek professional help when they develop high fever. This is a major factor in the prevalence of late diagnosis – and death. Treatment is more affordable in public health center, but the long waiting lines for doctors’ attention can be daunting.

The state of calamity can still spread. Health and local government officials must intensify public information campaigns about the early symptoms of dengue and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Communities and schools must also be mobilized to undertake preventive measures, principally by keeping premises clean and free of breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Where possible, school children must be given affordable insect repellents. The public can also be encouraged to donate blood to reputable government and Red Cross centers.

This is a potentially deadly disease that can be prevented. Every effort must be done in this regard before dengue reaches epidemic proportions.