Dengue Fever News & Updates

[stef]

dengue fever is on the rise again so i have been reading up on it i found this fact that i did not know : They also advised the people to cover containers of clean water since dengue mosquitoes also thrive in clean waters.  Health personnel are also advocating the 4 o’clock habit – replacement of water in flower vases and emptying all water containers that are potential habitat of the dengue mosquitoes.

Edited August 11, 2011 by Kuya Lee
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[Call me bubba]

The rainy season is now here, which means our friend :cheers: Mr DENGUE has now returned, Advice for TravelersTravelers can reduce their risk of infection with dengue fever by protecting themselves from mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that spread dengue usually bite at dusk and dawn but may bite at any time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when the weather is cloudy.Travelers should follow the steps below to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Where possible, stay in hotels or resorts that are well screened or air conditioned and that take measures such as spraying with insecticide to reduce the mosquito population.
• When outdoors or in a building that is not well screened, use insect repellent on uncovered skin. If sunscreen is needed, apply before applying insect repellent.
  • Look for a repellent that contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535. Always follow the instructions on the label when you use the repellent.
  • In general, repellents protect longer against mosquito bites when they have a higher concentration (percentage) of any of these active ingredients. However, concentrations above 50% do not offer a marked increase in protection time. Products with less than 10% of an active ingredient may offer only limited protection, often no longer than 1-2 hours.
  • American academy of pediatrics approves the use of repellents with up to 30% DEET on children more than 2 months old.
  • Protect babies less than 2 months old by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.

  [*]Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

  • For greater protection, clothing may also be sprayed with a repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent. (Remember: don't use permethrin on skin.)

Symptoms and TreatmentSymptoms of dengue include:

• fever
• severe headache
• pain behind the eyes
• joint and muscle pain
• rash
• nausea/vomiting
• hemorrhagic (bleeding) manifestations

Usually dengue fever causes a mild illness, but it can be severe and lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which can be fatal if not treated. People who have previously been infected with dengue fever are more at risk of getting severe dengue.No vaccine is available to prevent dengue, and there is no specific medicine to cure illness caused by dengue. Those who become ill with dengue fever can be given medicine to reduce fever, such as acetaminophen, and may need oral rehydration or intravenous fluids and, in severe cases, treatment to support their blood pressure. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), aspirin-containing drugs, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen) should be avoided because of the possibility of bleeding. Early recognition and treatment of severe dengue (e.g., signs and symptoms consistent with impending blood pressure failure) can reduce the risk of death.Other info,,,The principal symptoms of dengue are:

• High fever and at least two of the following:
  • Severe headache
  • Severe eye pain (behind eyes)
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle and/or bone pain
  • Rash
  • Mild bleeding manifestation (e.g., nose or gum bleed, petechiae, or easy bruising)
  • Low white cell count

Generally, younger children and those with their first dengue infection have a milder illness than older children and adults. Watch for warning signs as temperature declines 3 to 7 days after symptoms began. Go IMMEDIATELY to an emergency room or the closest health care provider if any of the following warning signs appear:

• Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting
• Red spots or patches on the skin
• Bleeding from nose or gums
• Vomiting blood
• Black, tarry stools (feces, excrement)
• Drowsiness or irritability
• Pale, cold, or clammy skin
• Difficulty breathing

***The best way to reduce mosquitoes is to eliminate the places where the mosquito lays her eggs, like artificial containers that hold water in and around the home. Outdoors, clean water containers like pet and animal watering containers, flower planter dishes or cover water storage barrels. Look for standing water indoors such as in vases with fresh flowers and clean at least once a week. *****The bite of one infected mosquito can result in infection. The risk of being bitten is highest during the early morning, several hours after daybreak, and in the late afternoon several hours before sunset, because the female mosquito typically feeds (bites) during these hours. However, mosquitoes may feed at any time during the day.***Dengue should be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile patients with a history of travel to the tropics in the 2 weeks prior to symptom onset. The incubation period is typically 4–7 days (range 3–14 days)****Wear appropriate clothing: Travelers can minimize areas of exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, boots, and hats. Tucking in shirts and wearing socks and closed shoes instead of sandals may reduce risk. Repellents or insecticides such as permethrin can be applied to clothing and gear for added protection; this measure is discussed in detail belowInsecticides: Aerosol insecticides, vaporizing mats and mosquito coils can help to clear rooms or areas of mosquitoes; however, some products available internationally may contain pesticides that are not registered in the United States. Insecticides should always be used with caution, avoiding direct inhalation of spray or smoke.Repellents for Use on Skin and Clothing

• DEET . Products containing DEET include but are not limited to Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, and Ultrathon.
• Picaridin Bayrepel, and icaridin outside the United States; . Products containing picaridin include but are not limited to Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus and Autan (outside the United States).
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus

listed above is a brief summary from the CDC on how to protect yourself for more In-Depth info, review the links provided, http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/http://www.cdc.gov/d...acts/index.htmlhttp://www.cdc.gov/D...toms/index.html

[Jake]

Thank you Stef for this timely reminder. And to Mr Ed, as always for more information about Denguefever. Thank you gentlemen!Respectfully -- Jake

[Call me bubba]

although its been a few weeks since any posting on this topic.. MR DENGUE IS HERE and LOOKING FOR more VICTIMS. :1927_: Members please take care of yourself, and read the above post to PREVENT and take care of yourself. (article has been edited ) From January to July this year, the Department of Health has recorded 38,876 dengue cases and 226 deaths. "In the national scope, we have a 25.8% decrease this year, but dengue peaks during August to September, the perfect time it spreads in other areas."Despite this, the Health department has voiced alarm over the 135% spike in dengue cases in the National Capital Region, or a total of 9,493 recorded dengue cases. Most of the cases were recorded in Quezon City, Manila and Caloocan.The DOH warned the number could further balloon in the coming months. We’re now watching Visayas and Mindanao, because they have low numbers but in the next few weeks it will be critical because if there will be outbreaks, then our year-end dengue numbers will be higher compared to last year."Tayag said the public should stay vigilant against a virus that doesn't choose when to strike. “The fight against dengue now all year round because the number of cases we have seen increasing in areas in country... While we have reduced fatalities, 226 is still big. The more cases we see, the more risk of deaths from dengue,” also please note that Leptospirosis has returned too. Aside from dengue, the DOH is also keeping an eye on other weather and flood-related illnesses like diarrhea, influenza, respiratory tract infection, and leptospirosis.He also pointed out troubling findings regarding leptospirosis cases."Leptospirosis has increased to 73%. Most cases were recorded in Western Visayas, Bicol. Manila is lagging behind, but cases are increasing this time of the year."“There's a new manifestation that is not common in leptospirosis [which is] neurological paralysis that is not commonly seen in usual patients that suffer from fever and muscle pain,” http://www.abs-cbnne...dengue-cases-mm link for more info on Leptospirosis http://www.dhpe.org/infect/lepto.html

Edited August 10, 2011 by ed villas

[Jake]

Thank you Ed for another vital information about health issues in the tropics. Respectfully - Jake

[Call me bubba]

The number of dengue cases in Metro Manila is nearly at 20,000 and is expected to rise due to typhoons hitting the metropolis, according to a report of the Department of Health (DOH) issued yesterday.(Oct3,2011)Dr. Eduardo Janairo, DOH director for Metro Manila, said a total of 19,432 dengue cases, including 108 deaths, have been reported to the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit from Jan. 1 to Sept. 24.This figure is 32 percent higher than the same period last year (14,751 cases with 106 deaths).Majority of the cases were male and belonged to the age group from newborn to 15 years (11,973 with 97 deaths). This is followed by the age group of 16 to 30 years (6,136 with six deaths), 31 to 45 years (901 with four deaths), 46 to 60 years (298), 61 to 75 years (105 with one death) and more than 75 years old (19 cases).“We are now on the 38th dengue morbidity week and this is the period when dengue cases usually peaks. But due to the continuing floods brought about by rains and typhoons, we can expect that cases will continue to increase,” he noted.The RESU report showed that cities with the highest number of cases are Quezon City (6,486), Manila (2,481), Caloocan (2,216), Valenzuela (1,248), Pasig (1,027), Malabon (886), Parañaque (797), Taguig (638), Navotas (542) and Pasay (540).“Dengue is now a year-round threat and it is best for everyone to be prepared. Know the signs and symptoms and how to avoid contracting the disease. If you’re suffering from a fever, seek medical treatment immediately. Do not be complacent about dengue. Its complications can be very deadly,” he added. Janairo had advised everyone “to continue their cleanup drive in their homes and use precautionary measures such as wearing long sleeves and pants and applying mosquito repellent on their skin to prevent insect bites.Makati kicks off anti-dengue driveThe Makati City government launched yesterday its all-out drive against dengue as part of the city’s implementation of the “synchronized action to fight dengue” in the metropolis, spearheaded by the DOH.“We hope we will inspire other localities, especially those with a high incidence of sickness and death caused by dengue, to get their acts together toward making their communities dengue-free,” Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said.He said the city government has been mobilizing all concerned agencies at the city and barangay levels, including the city’s health department, the Department of Education-Makati division, city environmental services department and the Liga ng mga Barangay.Aside from conducting sustained cleanup operations in households, schools and common areas in barangays, the combined teams have been setting up ovicidal-larvicidal traps in households and schools to monitor the presence of dengue-carrying mosquitos and destroy their breeding sites.The city health department has also set up a Facebook account, Mhd Dengue, where it can post relevant information on dengue prevention and updates on the department’s activities.The city health department reported that Makati registered 402 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to Sept. 15 this year with five deaths, the latest being a 27-year-old woman. The other four fatalities ranged in age from three to 13 years old. http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=65&articleId=733620

[Okieboy]

strange most cases in the big city, because more people, i live in the provience and have not heard of very many cases, when anyone comes down with fever they usually drink the tawa- tawa and better in a few days so maybe it does help

[Call me bubba]

1st Dengue news or update for 2012 MANILA, Philippines -- The incidence of dengue has dropped by 60 percent in the period of Jan. 1 to Feb. 4 compared to the same period last year, the Department of Health said Wednesday.DOH National Epidemiology center reportedd 1,753 new cases were monitored for the period. National Capital Region still has the highest incidence of dengue, with 118 new cases.also the report has news on a new test that show results if one is infected with dengue report listed belowCurrently, the DOST is conducting a pilot test of the kit for accuracy and efficiency in the three public hospitalsDr. Raul Destura, the principal person who developed the device, said Biotek-M poses a promising result.Tayag said Biotek-M could the doctors confirm dengue even in the early incubation period of the disease. Biotek-M uses Isothermal Polymerase Chain Reaction technology, a variation of the usual PCR, in which the nucleic acid is extracted from the blood and added to a mixture. compared the PCR test where result would be available only after several days, Biotek-M could determine the existence of the virus only after one hour. The mixture with the nucleic acid would change its color after one hour.editedhttp://philnews.com/headlines/2012/headline_news_0222bh.htm

[Call me bubba]

The 2012 dengue season is approaching, listed below is a news article on

another mosquito that can cause DENGUE

Warning out on night-biting dengue mosquito

An expert of the Philippine Association of Entomologists (PAE) warned yesterday that

,Aedes Albopictus. a night-biting mosquito, could increase the risk of dengue in the country.

“It is just that (Aedes) Aegypti is the most popular.

But Albopictus is considered as a secondary vector of dengue.

Unlike Aegypti which is known as a day-biting mosquito, Albopictus bites during daytime and nighttime,” she noted.

“Many people believe that dengue mosquitoes only bite during the day.

This makes them feel more complacent at night, as they think there’s no more risk of dengue infection.

However, this new study shows that the danger of dengue

is now more serious since infection can occur both during the day and at night,” Caoili added.

Caoili said a 1974 study showed that the

peak biting period of Aedes Albopictus was from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A 2011 study, however, revealed that its

biting time had extended from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

She said the forested area of Mt. Makiling in Laguna is the natural habitat of Aedes Albopictus.

However, the mosquito can easily spread to urban areas like Manila because of the migration of people, she added.

“Once you transport a water container containing its eggs, you can transport the insect to other places.

So far I cannot say if they are already in Metro Manila but it can easily be transported.

From Japan to the United States it was transported through the tires of imported vehicles, there was a literature on that,” she said.

She said the threat of dengue can also be attributed to climate change,

including rising temperatures, humidity and rainfall,

which create tropical and sub-tropical conditions that are ideal for day and night dengue mosquitoes to thrive in.

She called for public vigilance against mosquitoes to prevent the spread of dengue.

http://www.philstar....rticleId=803430

[Jake]

Here is a photo of a "Tiger mosquito":

Thank you once again Ed.......