THE unsettling reality of dengue is imminent in the Philippines this 2024, posing a significant challenge to public health authorities and communities alike.
Fewer storms may be experienced in the country, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration hinting that only 13 to 19 tropical cyclones could hit this year. This, however, is higher than the 11 storms that made landfall or came close in 2023.
The onset of increased rainfall makes favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Hence, the likelihood of an increase in dengue transmission.
By the numbers
AMID a record global dengue spike of 5 million cases and more than 5,000 deaths last year, the Philippines has seen a decline, with the Department of Health’s (DOH) report of 125,975 dengue cases logged nationwide from January 1 to September 9. This so far is lower than the number of cases recorded five years ago on the back of the driest rainy season in recent history that is correlated to the decreased mosquito-borne diseases.
The first quarter of 2023, though, saw a surge of 94 percent incidence to 27,670 compared to 14,278 during the same period in 2022, per the DOH data. This is very alarming as the initial three months are typically characterized by dry weather, which traditionally sees lower dengue cases compared to the peak of the rainy season.
While this climatic pattern is seen to persist this year, with the peak of the El Niño phenomenon from February to April, per the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the DOH reminded the public to be aware and cautious of the possible growth of vector-borne diseases like dengue, particularly in areas that have a limited supply of water and places that have stored water.
Preventive measures
SINCE most dengue cases do not have warning signs but have common symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, vomiting and rashes, the DOH urges the public to practice the 5S: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection measures, seek early consultation, support fogging and spraying in hot spot areas, and sustain hydration.
This strategy has been proven effective like during the dengue outbreak last year. At the local level, for instance, the City of Tagum, through its public officials, including health officer Dr. Arnel Florendo underscored the importance of these measures in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds when the local government unit (LGU) was put under a state of calamity. He also reminded their constituents of the importance of preventive measures such as using repellents, mosquito nets, installing screens in homes, and conducting regular clean-up drives to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites.
Another example is the Zamboanga Peninsula region, where state agencies and healthcare providers have been on top of the ongoing fight against dengue, following the DOH’s report of a total of 7,491 cases posted from January 1 to August 12 in Region 9.
Timely medical attention
HOSPITALS and clinics there have strengthened their capacity to immediately diagnose and treat dengue cases, ensuring that patients get timely medical attention. At the same time, these institutions have actively embarked on comprehensive public education programs to raise awareness among residents about the telltale signs of dengue and the significance of seeking early medical intervention.
Such initiatives demonstrate that in a joint effort to curtail the spread of dengue, LGUs have intensified their commitment to controlling the mosquito population. Regular vector control activities, including targeted fogging operations in vulnerable areas, are being done with more vigilance.
Beside the 5S strategy, there are more ways to address the dengue situation in the Philippines. Even if the country prevented a major outbreak compared to other nations in the record-setting year of 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a death toll of 575 as of October 19, making this island nation the third highest globally.
The challenge is due to insufficient specific measures to directly avoid and cure dengue. While the 5S strategy focuses on eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, it may not directly resolve the prevention and treatment of the illness itself. This requires comprehensive measures that espouse vector control, effective diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
Research and development investment
So it is important to invest in research and development for new prevention methods like vaccines, and to strengthen healthcare systems to guarantee rapid and right treatment for dengue cases. A recent second-generation dengue vaccine that has been given the greenlight for use in over 30 countries but yet to be introduced in the Philippines. This dengue vaccine has shown higher efficacy in preventing the disease. Its introduction could be a crucial step forward in the national fight against dengue.
In a recent interview with BioPHARMA Asia Pacific, Dr. Lulu Bravo, president of the Immunization Partners in Asia Pacific and current executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, said that the introduction of a dengue vaccine has reopened positive discussions on preventing the disease. She noted that the uptake of the vaccine is increasing among the public, and with ongoing education drives and effective communication, Filipinos are closer to hitting the goal of zero dengue deaths by 2030.
The prevailing rise of dengue here and abroad calls for proactive measures to avert a potential health crisis in 2024. Today’s situation necessitates a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that entails not only vector control measures but also the integration of immunization as a key component of dengue control and management.