Klausmieir Candis Villegas

BSN 2-A
March 2, 2019

Philippines General Health Risks:

Dengue
The Philippines has confirmed Dengue cases nationally, with recent cases reported from:
Caraga, Iloilo, Negors Oriental, and Bohol. Dengue occurs nationally and year-round in
the Philippines. Peak transmission occurs during the rainy season, May through
November.

For the latest information on Dengue outbreaks please go to: ProMED-mail. Dengue/DHF
update (05): Asia, Pacific, Europe, research. ProMED-mail 2019; February 16:
20190216.6318840. <ProMED-mail>. Accessed on February 19, 2019.

Description

Dengue is a viral infection caused by four types of viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3,
DENV-4) belonging to the Flaviviridae family. The viruses are transmitted through the bite of
infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus female mosquitoes that feed both indoors and
outdoors during the daytime (from dawn to dusk). These mosquitoes thrive in areas with
standing water, including puddles, water tanks, containers and old tires. Lack of reliable
sanitation and regular garbage collection also contribute to the spread of the mosquitoes.

Risk

Risk of Dengue exists in tropical and subtropical areas of Central America, South America,
Africa, Asia, and Oceania. All travellers are at risk during outbreaks. Long-term travellers and
humanitarian workers going to areas where Dengue is endemic are at higher risk. Dengue occurs
in urban and suburban settings with higher transmission rates happening during the rainy season.

Symptoms

In some cases, Dengue infection is asymptomatic – persons do not exhibit symptoms. Those with
symptoms get ill between 4 to 7 days after the bite. The infection is characterized by flu-like
symptoms which include a sudden high fever coming in separate waves, pain behind the eyes,
muscle, joint, and bone pain, severe headache, and a skin rash with red spots. Treatment includes
supportive care of symptoms. There is no antiviral treatment available.

The illness may progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). Symptoms include severe
abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, bruising, and uncontrolled bleeding. High fever
can last from 2 to 7 days. Complications can lead to circulatory system failure and shock, and
can be fatal (also known as Dengue Shock Syndrome).
 Klausmieir Candis Villegas
BSN 2-A
March 2, 2019

If you are infected with the same Dengue virus serotype you become immune to future
infections. However, if you are infected subsequently with a different serotype, immunity wanes
over time which increases the risk of developing Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Dengue is related to Zika Virus, Yellow Fever, West Nile Virus, and Japanese Encephalitis. It
can be misdiagnosed for Chikungunya, Zika Virus, or Yellow Fever.

Prevention

Travellers should take meticulous measures to prevent mosquito bites during the daytime.

 Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according
to manufacturer's directions.
 Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) clothing. If possible, wear long-sleeved, breathable
garments.
 If available, pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
 Get rid of water containers around dwellings and ensure that door and window screens work
properly.
 Apply sunscreen first followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).

A vaccine is available for people living in some Dengue endemic countries, but is not
commercially available for travellers.
 Klausmieir Candis Villegas
BSN 2-A
March 2, 2019

Summary:
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by day biting infected mosquitos. The infection is
characterized by flu-like symptoms which include a sudden high fever coming in separate
waves, pain behind the eyes, muscle, joint, and bone pain, severe headache, and a skin rash
with red spots. Treatment includes supportive care of symptoms. There is no antiviral
treatment available. The illness may progress to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).
Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, bruising, and
uncontrolled bleeding. Complications can lead to circulatory system failure and shock, and
can be fatal (also known as Dengue Shock Syndrome). If you are infected with the same
Dengue virus serotype you become immune to future infections. However, if you are
infected subsequently with a different serotype, immunity wanes over time which
increases the risk of developing Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Prevention

Travellers should take meticulous measures to prevent mosquito bites during the daytime.

 Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply
according to manufacturer's directions.
 Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) clothing. If possible, wear long-sleeved,
breathable garments.
 If available, pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
 Get rid of water containers around dwellings and ensure that door and window screens
work properly.
 Apply sunscreen first followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).

Reflection:
Dengue is a very serious case that needs special attention. The best way to avoid this kind
of disease is through the prevention. Destroying the vector is better than acquiring it and
curing it. Whenever a person acquired this kind of desease always monitor platelet count
and any signs of bleeding. Always increase fluid intake and encourage patient to be
admitted for IV fluids to increase eloctrolytes of the body to prevent dehydration.
Klausmieir Candis Villegas
BSN 2-A
March 2, 2019

DRUG STUDY

Generic Name: Dobutamine Hydrochloride

Brand name: Dobuzef