Philippines: Samar province placed under a state of calamity as dengue cases are up more than 300%
The Samar Public Information Office reported last Thursday:
The Province of Samar is now under State of Calamity due to the alarming increase of Dengue cases. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has issued Resolution No. 17-906-24, Declaring the Entire Province of Samar Under State of Calamity Due to Alarming increase of Dengue Cases.
The Provincial Health Office disclosed that the number of cases reached 2,013 in 24 towns and two cities based on the Surveillance Report for Morbidity Week 32 (August 4-10, 2024). This is a 318 percent increase compared to 2023 (482).
The province has seen 10 deaths this year.
The public is enjoined to practice the 5S in dengue protection:
1. Search and destroy dengue breeding places like containers with stagnant water;
2. Self-protection measures such as use of mosquito repellant lotions;
3. Seek early consultation when symptoms are present;
4. Support fogging activities;
5. Sustain hydration.
The dengue virus is transmitted by a day-biting mosquito called Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes lay eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires, etc. The adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.
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Here are the common signs and symptoms of dengue infection:
• Sudden onset of high fever which may last from 2 to 7 days
• Joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes
• Weakness
• Skin rashes
• Nose bleeding when fever starts to subside
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting of coffee-colored matter
• Dark-colored stools
• Difficulty of breathing