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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Lack of awareness, late consultation' among causes of dengue-related deaths in PH—expert

'Lack of awareness, late consultation' among causes of dengue-related deaths in PH—expert

Published Jun 6, 2023 07:42 am
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante said in a briefing on Tuesday, June 6, that lack of awareness of dengue symptoms and late consultation are among the leading causes of dengue-related deaths in the country. Photo courtesy of Pixabay
"Napaka-importante ng awareness kung merong sintomas because based on the 2015, 2016 WHO [World Health Organization] report wherein tumaas yung case fatality rate natin kadalasan doon sa mga namamatay ng dengue dito sa Pilipinas is because of the late consultation doon sa mga doctor. Third day, 5th day na lagnat doon palang dinadala [sa ospital] (Awareness is very important if there are symptoms because based on the 2015, 2016 WHO report in which our fatality rate has increased, usually among those who die of dengue here in the Philippines is because of the late consultation with doctors. They are taken to the hospital in the 3rd to 5th day of fever already)," Solante said. The dengue mortality rate is also prevalent among children nine years of age and younger, he revealed. Solante also cited the importance of proper education among parents about the signs and symptoms of the dengue virus. Photo courtesy of WHO Philippines Moreover, he reiterated that properly cleaning the environment is still one of the best preventions against the deadly virus. "Napaka-importante ang paglilinis ng environment, especially sa mga areas na kung saan pinupugaran ng mga lamok and ito yung mga basura, mga naipon na mga tubig, naimbak na mga tubig, and most likely even yung mga tanim kung saan doon namumungad ang mga lamok (It is very important to clean the environment, especially in the areas where mosquitoes infest and this is the garbage, accumulated water, stored water, and most likely even the plants where the mosquitoes hatch)," Solante said.

Dengue cases in the Philippines

The infectious disease expert added that the Philippines remains one of the top countries in Asia when it comes to the number of dengue cases. It is also among the top countries that have the four serotypes of dengue viruses: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. He then expressed his hope for the arrival of vaccines that will help prevent the spread of dengue. WHO said in a report that as of April 29, 2023, epidemiological week 17, there were a total of 39,947 reported dengue cases in the country, which is 43 percent higher compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, 127 deaths due to the disease were recorded from the beginning of the year until that date.

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dengue virus dr. rontgene solante
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