What is Dengue?
A disease caused by dengue virus transmitted by an infected female Aedes mosquito.
Aedes Mosquito
• a female mosquito
• bites during daytime
• breeds in clear, unpolluted stagnant water
• rests in dark places
What are the signs and symptoms of Dengue?
• high continuous fever that last for 2-7 days
• skin flushing (skin reddening)
• loss of appetite
• nausea/vomiting
• hemorrhagic manifestation (bleeding of nose and gums)
How to prevent and control Dengue (at home, in school and in the community)
• Change water from flower vases once a week
• Put your trash in a garbage can
• Report to barangay official or an elder any vacant lot with possible breeding sites of dengue carrier mosquito
• Cooperate in Cleanliness Campaign in your community
• Be an anti-dengue advocate. Disseminate information on dengue
• Remove accumulated water from dish container/drainer and refrigerator
• Clean and scrub the inside and outside surfaces of water containers
• Ask an elder to clean house and school gutters
• Cover all drums, pails and other water containers
• Search and destroy breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes
• Self protection measures such as wearing of long-sleeve shirts and long pants
and using using mosquito repellant
• Seek early consultation when early signs such as fever and rashes set in
• Say no to indiscriminate fogging except for outbreak
Misconceptions about Dengue
Myth: Once you had Dengue, you will not acquire the disease anymore.
Fact: You can have Dengue four times because there are four types of Dengue
virus.
Myth: Dengue can be transmitted through coughing, touching, or getting near a
dengue-infected person.
Fact: The only way you can acquire the disease is through the bite of an infected
female Aedes mosquito.
Myth: Burning of trash or dried leaves is a way of preventing dengue.
Fact: Burning of trash or dried leaves is not recommended to prevent dengue
because it does not kill mosquitoes.
Myth: Fogging will just drive away mosquitoes.
Fact: Fogging not only drives away mosquitoes, it will kill mosquitoes if done
properly.
What to do (when one has signs and symptoms of Dengue)
• drink plenty of fluids
• if fever persists for two days, consult a doctor immediately
• sponging and take paracetamol
• do not take aspirin as it may lead to bleeding and/or gastric irritation.
ToDOH Laban sa Dengue Campaign : ToDOH Arangkada Para sa Kalusugan |
