A child gets a Complete Blood Count test to check for dengue fever  at the Potrero Super Health Center in Malabon City on July 15, 2022. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

Climate change is having a huge effect on dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes, particularly on their prolonged survival and swifter maturity into adult forms, a health official revealed.

Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano, Medical Officer IV at the Department of Health Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, said repeated flooding could be a factor on the increase of mosquitoes.

"Ang repeated flooding o iyong paulit-ulit na pagbabaha tapos biglang magiging matuyo tapos ulit magkakaroon ng ulan – itong mga situations na ito ay actually nakakapag-induce pa ng pag-hatch ng mga Aedes mosquito eggs natin. Mas napapabilis pa ang kanilang paglaki, ang kanilang pag-mature," he said in a DOH forum.

(Repeated flooding or the constant occurrence of floods followed by sudden drying and rain again actually induce the hatching of Aedes mosquito eggs even more. Their growth and maturation are accelerated.)

"Base rin sa mga pag-aaral, tumataas ang kanilang survival and thriving rate sa mga paiba-ibang panahon – repeated flooding, pagkatuyo, drying tapos pag-submerge ulit nila sa tubig," he added.

(Based on studies, their survival and thriving rate increases during fluctuating conditions: repeated flooding, drying, and then being submerged in water again.)

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Tejano shared that dengue cases increase during the rainy season due to the availability of breeding sites – including unused tires, bottles that contain rainwater.  

PREVENTING DENGUE

 The official asked communities to keep their surroundings clean, and implement the "4S strategy", which he dubbed as the "cornerstone" of dengue prevention. This includes search and destroy, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging and spraying.

As of June 8, 74,322 dengue cases have been recorded in the country.

Earlier, the DOH explained there is no specific treatment for dengue to date and only supportive treatment is available, wherein symptoms are being managed until the patient gets better.

Experts also emphasized that plants like tawa-tawa, guava, and siling labuyo have not been proven as cures for dengue.

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Common symptoms of the disease include fever lasting for two to seven days, pain at the back portion of the eyes, headache, skin rash, nausea and vomiting, stomachache, and body pain.

Patients are advised to consult their doctors, remain hydrated, and rest to help them regain strength during treatment.