Protect yourself and your family against Dengue

More than 72,300 dengue cases were recorded in the country from January to June 17, 2023 – 14 percent higher than the total number of dengue cases reported in 2022, according to the latest Department of Health (DOH) surveillance report.

Dengue is transmitted mainly by infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It is a viral disease that causes severe, flu-like illness. Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash.

Dengue may seem scary, but there are effective ways to prevent it and control the mosquitoes that carry the dengue virus:

Mosquito control

• Make sure all tanks, water deposits and containers in your house and yard are covered and sealed.
• Clean canals, drains and gutters regularly.
• Change the water and brush the insides of sinks and water drums at least once a week.
• Discard water from flower pots and planters and replace with damp sand.
• Change the water in flowers vases at least once a week.
• Dispose unused containers and objects that can collect water and serve as mosquito breeding sites.
• Change the water in pet bowls at least once a week.

Protection at home

• Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito netting over infant carriers, cribs and strollers.
• Install or repair window and door screens in your house.

Use mosquito repellent

• Apply mosquito repellent only on exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label).
• Do not apply repellent under your clothing.

Consult your doctor or ask your Watsons pharmacist for more information on dengue. Shop at Watsons for your essential healthcare needs: https://www.watsons.com.ph/shop-otc-medicine

References:

https://pia.gov.ph/news/2023/07/11/rise-in-dengue-cases-possible-despite-drought-doh#:~:text=Based%20on%20the%20DOH's%20latest,due%20to%20dengue%20this%20year. Accessed 6 September 2023
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed 6 September 2023
https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/files/2015/11/CDC_aegypti_factsheet.pdf. Accessed 6 September 2023
https://doh.gov.ph/node/16849. Accessed 6 September 2023