Breakbone Fever

Mysteries of Terminus

By Englebert A. Villegas 

Breakbone Fever

photo courtesy of http://www.wowbatangas.com/tag/cases-of-dengue-in-the-philippines/

Alarming are the days when dengue outbreaks scatter all over the country. Just for the sake of opening everyone’s eyes, this has something to do with our responsibility of cleaning the environment.

According to World Health Organization, global incidence of dengue had amplified in recent decades and about two-fifth of the world’s population are now at risk, especially those regions having tropical or sub-tropical climate. Being located in a tropical archipelago, we are indeed at great risk.

With almost 14 percent boost in dengue cases from January to July this year here in the Philippines, over 46,000 cases and more than 290 deaths are already in record. The reported upsurge places our nation in dire need of intensified anti-dengue operations especially those in risky locales.

Changes have occurred, but sadly for the worse. Mosquito’s kiss of death has caused various dilemmas to humanity. Before, people were just being cautious during the day against mosquito bites. At present time, however, the emergence of new mosquito specie caused much danger to human lives for they are also active at night.

One factor that triggered the increase of dengue fever occurrences is climate change. Mosquitoes learned to adapt to the shifting weather conditions, making their breeding habits also developed. If before they only bred during the rainy period, they now multiply in number even during dry seasons for the reason of their new systems. 

Another factor playing a part to the explosion of dengue cases is the rapid growth of population most especially in urban areas where hygienic practices are in question.

People should be educated on proper solid waste management schemes and observance of good water storages. As much as possible, people should avoid stocking water on unused basins or pails whether outside or inside their houses. They must see to it that the place where they live is free from possible breeding areas.

Today, a vaccine is not yet formulated at the moment to cure the disease, except for approved medical treatments at home or hospitals. Luckily, Sanofi Pateur is currently doing research and experiments to invent the first dengue vaccine to be released to those regions which have already reached critical levels.

Indeed, benefit over cost should be considered in the search for the right medicine. But now, we must concentrate on what we have and identify those who are in grave threat to avoid complications and skyrocketing expenses.

Vigilance is required because if the infected individual is not treated at a reasonable time, the victim may suffer from a lot of complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever; damage to lymph and blood vessels; enlargement of the liver; failure of circulatory system and worse, he may suffer from dengue shock syndrome and coma, then death.

Different communities must also be able to distinguish the indicators of real dengue from flu or other viral contagion. Because of this, health centers or clinics must be informed to stay open even on weekends to accommodate possible patients in order to prevent further casualties.

Professional doctors and medical assistants, on one hand, must always be on duty during critical hours and if possible, additional facilities and first-aid kits like beds and medications must be easily accessed in case of emergency situations.

The moment this article sinks in to you, why don’t you observe your surroundings? We are being challenged to stay protected and to reduce mosquito incidence by the existing methods we have.

Prevention schemes in eliminating dengue-carrying mosquitoes comprise of emptying pots, tires, containers and buckets which accumulated dormant water; regularly refilling pet’s water saucers and; insecticide spraying.

Moreover, precautionary practices we can perform to guard ourselves against any infectivity include using of mosquito repellents and nets peculiarly during peak biting hours (9:00-10:00AM; 5:00-6:00PM and 11:00PM-1:00AM); staying away from extremely inhabited areas; wearing of protective, apt outfits outdoors; using of air conditioning when indoors and; securing window and door screens.

Developments also presented the possibilities of altering the genes of mosquitoes so that they may no longer function as transporters of the dengue virus. Nevertheless, whatever resources we have, the problem will continue to prosper if the root source of it cannot be fully detected and solved without causing trouble to our environment.

This calls for the joined forces of all sectors of society—the government, churches, media, family units, schools, private and public corporations and non-government and professional organizations – to strictly pursue anti-dengue campaign advocacies. 

We should not kill time waiting for another victim to get hospitalized before we do our obligations; we should not hang around until another dengue outburst transpires.

The education sector can provide support by offering subjects that would educate about the human behavioral aspects of dengue control. Their curriculum should be required to have courses that would expose the students to the whys and wherefores of dengue cases.

Also, our public health agencies must be responsible in supplying adequate facilities and human workforce in combating the escalation of mosquito population through employing the right people who will lead in the fumigation and insecticide spraying. They must also update the citizenry recently approved treatment for dengue cases.

Furthermore, the environmental departments are also involved in this drive against dengue incidents. They can reduce the intensity of problem by organizing dengue awareness programs to different communities so people would know how dengue is transmitted, the dos and don’ts to protect themselves and the things they can do to help abate the situation.

Moreover, the justice department must commit their time and effort in implementing laws that would regulate human actions as to environmental regulations. Together with police authorities, they must ensure that people are not doing bad practices that would lead to bigger dilemmas. Rule breakers must be given disciplinary sanctions or be obliged to pay fines that can be used in anti-dengue movements.

Administrative decrees like the posting of “No Dumping, No Littering” and “Avoid accumulating stagnant water on different containers.” signs to different places, required disinfection of aircraft passengers from infected countries, authorization about proper disposal of junk tires and other scraps as possible breeding grounds can help manage the problem at hand.

Also, the science and technology department can served as a conduit of solution by doing researches and experiments in searching for new ways to control dengue-carrying mosquitoes from feeding on human blood. They can give manuals to people about information and data on mosquito and related diseases.

Other responsible sectors are the media including radio, television, print media, and internet and even thru text. They can be seen and heard everywhere that is why they function as a powerful tool in informing the public of recent dengue issues and remedies.

In addition, the private firms’ roles consist of producing commercial products that would contend with mosquito activities and their establishment of corporate social responsibility programs connected with dengue monitoring and prevention activities. Also, construction firms must build edifices that are not prone to mosquito propagation.

Most importantly, the government sector should extend a big hand in addressing the dengue crisis. There are so many problems striking the nation, but solving dengue incidents must still be on the priority list.

As the saying goes, “health is wealth.” Accordingly, the administration must provide the necessary funds to start effective measures in addressing the problem, at least to minimize dengue fatalities, if not to absolutely resolve the issue.

The present administration must have a clear platform in eradicating dengue outbursts by collaborating also to all concerned institutions. This calls for good investments of financial and human resources for health centers that must be built in areas where dengue cases are soaring, water and sanitation facility improvements.

Finally, the household sector must be conscious on how to decrease mosquito population at source and to stay safeguarded from dengue virus. It is a potential channel in eliminating the breeding sites of mosquitoes. Families should participate to all anti-dengue endeavors and comply with all environmental rulings and values.

Even in little ways, like encouraging communities to do clean-up drives along filthy canals and gutters, can help lessen the plight. Environmental and community projects can provide benefits too.

As the saying goes, “health is wealth.” Accordingly, the administration and health department must provide the necessary funds to start effective measures in addressing the problem, at least to minimize dengue fatalities, if not to absolutely resolve the issue.