Over 300 public school students in Metro downed by dengue

MANILA, Philippines – More than 300 public school students from around Metro Manila have fallen ill of dengue this year, with more than a third recorded in mostly elementary schools in hotspot Quezon City, figures from the Department of Education show.

Statistics from DepEd’s National Capital Region office showed that a total 323 students were afflicted with dengue fever as of this month, among them two fatal cases in the cities of Makati and Muntinlupa.

Some 150 students have recovered while the rest remain confined or are undergoing outpatient treatment, according to data compiled by Dr. Lucila Peregrina, head of the NCR School Health and Nutrition Unit.

“Based on the breakdown, there are more cases of afflicted students in elementary than in high school – roughly 85 percent to 90 percent of the cases. So while dengue may affect anyone, the smaller ones remain most vulnerable,” said Rizalino Rosales, DepEd NCR assistant director.

“They are saying the number of cases this year is higher, but we have to validate that,” Rosales told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Asked if there were reported cases of on-campus contraction, Rosales said that the students most likely contracted dengue fever in their communities as schools continue implementing preventive measures within school grounds.

DepEd issued a memorandum in July to reiterate dengue prevention measures through government’s 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquitoes, seek early consultation, self-protective measures and say no to indiscriminate fogging.

“If the students got bit [by dengue-carrying mosquitoes] in schools, then we would have more cases. Because schools have preventive measures in place, they most likely got the fever in their communities,” said Rosales.

Of the total cases, some 124 were reported in 11 schools in Quezon City while Caloocan City schools had 52. Some 35 cases were reported in Valenzuela City schools while 30 were reported in Manila.

Navotas recorded 27 cases in nine schools, Las Piñas 14 and Malabon 13 cases. Muntinlupa had 11 cases and Makati counted six, including one fatal case each.

Pasay City had five students from four schools taken ill while Pasig had one in each of four schools.

None of the public schools in Taguig City and Pateros has reported a dengue case.

“Parents are key. They should immediately report cases and take the initiative once their children show symptoms of dengue, including fever, abdominal pain, rashes, bleeding,” Rosales said.

He advised students in dengue-prone communities to wear protective clothing – long-sleeved shirts, pants or long socks – to fight mosquito bites whether in school or at home.