20 Aug 2024 | 02:04 PM UTC
Philippines: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Eastern Visayas, especially Leyte, in August
Elevated dengue fever activity was reported in multiple areas in Eastern Visayas, Philippines, especially Leyte, in August.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in Eastern Visayas, with a total of 7,145 cases (4,037 confirmed) reported Jan. 1-Aug. 10. This is a 187 percent increase in disease activity in the region compared to the 2,487 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Leyte (2,315 cases) is the most affected, followed by Samar (2,012 cases), Southern Leyte (837 cases), Eastern Samar (635 cases), Ormoc City (517 cases), Northern Samar (358 cases), Tacloban City (340 cases), and Biliran (131 cases). The Eastern Visayas Department of Health urges local governments to actively participate in the fight against dengue by supporting anti-dengue activities, strengthening surveillance measures, and providing necessary resources to health facilities. This report represents the most complete data available as of Aug. 20.
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, typically 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. The 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.
