DOH warns public vs dengue

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public against dengue-carrying mosquitoes amid rains caused by thunderstorms in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the public must be vigilant against dengue fever and other water-borne diseases, which are prevalent during the rainy season.

Herbosa urged households to get rid of mosquito breeding sites.

“Before the rainy season starts, families and communities should search and destroy breeding sites for mosquitoes carrying dengue virus,” Herbosa said.

Other measures against dengue are the wearing of clothes that cover the skin; use of mosquito repellent lotion; seeking early consultation for symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea and rashes; fogging operations during outbreaks, and sustaining proper hydration for patients.

Data from the DOH showed that 59,267 dengue cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to May 4, with 164 deaths.

The department said dengue cases dropped from 5,380 logged from March 24 to April 6, to 5,211 cases from April 7 to April 20.

From April 21 to May 4, the DOH registered 3,634 dengue cases.