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04 June 2001 Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit today advised the public to properly dispose of their tin cans, bottles, tires and other containers so that these do not become artificial mosquito-breeding places, as the Department of Health observes June as Dengue Awareness Month. Dengue fever (DF) is the most significant mosquito-borne viral disease of humans transmitted by a bite of an infected day-biting female Aedes aegypti that breed in clean, stagnant water. The disease begins with sudden onset of high fever and headache accompanied by anorexia, vomiting and abdominal pain. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), on the other hand, occurs when the blood-clotting function of the body becomes affected. It may present with rashes, nosebleed, gumbleeding and other forms of internal bleeding. "A total of 681 cases were reported from January 1 to May 26, 2001, including five deaths," Dayrit said. He added that the number of cases is 63% higher compared to the same period last year. Ages ranged from two months to 66 years, with most cases belonging to the 10-19 years age group. Dengue cases are commonly found in densely populated areas. The City of Manila had the highest number (30%) followed by Kalookan and Quezon City. Dengue cases reached an all-time high in 1998. "This year we expect more cases than the previous two years, following a three-year cycle of increased transmission," the health chief concluded. |
