05 Aug 2024 | 12:24 PM UTC
Philippines: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Cordillera Administrative Region in early August
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines, in early August. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in the Cordillera Administrative Region, with a total of 9,387 cases reported Jan. 1-July 27. This is compared to the 3,531 cases reported during a similar period in 2023. Areas reporting elevated disease activity include Benguet (3,396 cases), Baguio City, and Mountain Province. The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council placed the region under heightened alert effective Aug. 1 to ensure heightened monitoring and warning, bio-surveillance, preparedness, and response readiness for dengue. This report represents the most complete data available as of Aug. 5.
If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
Dengue fever is endemic in the Philippines. The risk of transmission is highest during and immediately following the rainy season, which typically occurs May-November. Health authorities reported roughly 167,355 cases in the Philippines in 2023, 220,705 cases in 2022, 79,872 cases in 2021, and 91,108 cases in 2020.
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten, but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated in a timely manner. There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) and Qdenga (TAK-003). Dengvaxia is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and who live in dengue-endemic countries or areas. Qdenga is recommended for use in children aged 6–16 in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. Check with healthcare providers if dengue vaccination is needed.
