Group: Areas outside Metro Manila face double threat of dengue

THE Philippine Association of Entomologists Inc. (PAE) warns that areas outside of Metro Manila now face a double threat of dengue from two species of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

These species are the day-biting Aedes aegypti, and the Aedes albopictus, which bites during the night.

Aedes aegypti’s peak biting hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Experts say that Aedes albopictus spreads the dengue virus at night, with peak biting hours at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Many people believe that the dengue threat exists only at daytime. As a result, dengue defense measures are re relaxed at nighttime. This misplaced confidence and complacency exposes them and their families to the risk of getting the dengue virus.

According to PAE, a study has already established that Aedes albopictus is also a carrier of the dengue virus.

Dr. Barbara L. Caoili, PAE president, said Aedes albopictus’ usual habitat is in forested areas.

LIVE AMONG HUMANS

However, the destruction of forests may have forced these mosquitoes to seek new places and live among humans. The increase in human population has also resulted in homes being built near or inside forested areas.

There are four types of dengue virus — DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4.

Dengue symptoms are flu-like, including high-fever and muscle-and-joint pains. A rash may also appear on the skin. What makes the dengue virus so dangerous are the complications that may arise. Some of these complications include brain or liver damage, as well as injury to other vital organs. The heart may also become infected or liver failure may occur.

The Department of Health has recorded nearly 60,000 dengue cases from January to July 2013.

From January to July 6 this year, the DOH has recorded 56,056 cases of dengue nationwide. Most of these cases occurred outside Metro Manila, such as in region 6 (Western Visayas) with 7,263 cases and 30 deaths, region 4-A (Calabarzon area) with 6,891 cases and 19 deaths, region 7 (Central Visayas) with 6,466 cases and 21 deaths, region 12 (SOCSKSARGEN) with 5,483 cases and 37 deaths and region 11 (Davao) with 5,091 cases and 30 deaths.

Families in these regions are advised to level-up their defense against dengue these rainy season when there is greater risk of dengue infection.

The dengue defense measures recommended by health authorities include the following: Keep the house and one’s surroundings clean; put screens over windows and doors; wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants; use mosquito nets; and use an ovi-trap, a device that traps dengue-carrying mosquitoes; and use insect repellents.