06 Sep 2024 | 11:50 AM UTC
Philippines: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in Western Visayas in early September /update 1
Elevated dengue fever activity was reported in Western Visayas, Philippines, in early September. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in Western Visayas, with an additional 7,868 cases reported Aug. 4-24, bringing the total to 18,056 cases since Jan. 1. This is a 229 percent increase in disease activity in the region compared to the 5,491 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. Iloilo Province (7,020 cases) is the most affected, followed by Negros Occidental (2,864 cases), Aklan (1,919 cases), Capiz (1,828 cases), Guimaras (1,446 cases), Iloilo City (1,118 cases), Antique (1,012 cases), and Bacolod City (849 cases). In response to the outbreak, officials trained health workers in dengue case management and vector surveillance, deployed monitoring teams to affected areas to provide technical assistance on outbreak preparedness and response, and provided local government units with mosquito control, diagnostic, and treatment resources. This report represents the most complete data available as of Sept. 6.
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.
