■ Rimaliza A. Opiña
Fever that has subsided should not be considered as a sign that an illness has been treated – yet.
As the City Health Services Office reported an increase of dengue cases this year compared to last year, City Epidemiologist Donnabel Panes said those who have fever but subsides, should be a cause of concern as this is the period when the more severe symptoms of dengue fever develop.
Medically known as “defervescence”, Panes said people who manifest symptoms of the dengue fever should continue to be observed. She advised that if there is fever for at least two or three days to immediately seek consult and to stay hydrated.
Every household should at least have a supply of oral rehydration solution, which can be bought over the counter at drugstores or may be accessed for free at public health centers.
Health experts say hydration helps increase the number of platelets in body, which is critical especially to those who experience bleeding.
In 2023, there were 284 dengue fever cases reported but from January to May this year, cases increased to 328.
Panes said the CHSO is expecting the number of cases to increase due to the early onset of the rainy season.
She reiterated for the public to maintain clean surroundings to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
“Let us do container management,” Panes said, echoing the results of the CHSO bio surveillance that the most common breeding site of mosquitoes in the city are water drums and old tires. These containers must be properly sealed to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and regularly checked for the presence of larvae.
She also reminded that dengue fever, if left untreated, has a high fatality rate.
Symptoms of dengue are fever, rashes which occur in two to three days after the onset of fever, and drop in temperature, among others.