One Small Pool of Water Can Become a Breeding Site
BACOLOD - Bacolod City has recorded its sixth dengue death of the year, involving an 8-year-old girl from Barangay Handumanan who died after developing severe complications from dengue, according to an October 14 report by Inquirer Visayas. The report said her illness began with intermittent high-grade fever on September 28 before her condition progressed to severe dengue and other complications. While the case is a reminder of how serious the disease can become, prevention can begin with ordinary household routines. Residents should regularly inspect containers, flower pots, buckets, roof gutters, discarded tires, and other areas where water can collect, then empty, cover, or clean them to reduce possible mosquito breeding places.
Make Mosquito Protection Part of Everyday Life
Avoiding mosquito bites is another practical layer of protection, particularly in areas where dengue transmission is occurring. Residents can use mosquito repellents, wear long sleeves and pants when appropriate, and use screens on doors and windows to limit mosquitoes entering homes. Sleeping areas can also be protected with mosquito nets, especially for young children and people who spend time resting during the day. Since the mosquitoes that commonly spread dengue can bite during daylight hours, protection should not be limited to nighttime.
Know When a Fever Needs Medical Attention
Dengue prevention is not only about eliminating mosquitoes; knowing the warning signs can also help families respond sooner when someone becomes sick. A sudden high fever accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or rash can warrant medical evaluation, particularly in an area experiencing dengue cases. Warning signs of severe dengue can appear as a person's fever begins to improve, including severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, extreme weakness, or difficulty breathing, and these require urgent medical attention. Families should avoid self-medicating without professional advice and seek guidance from healthcare providers when dengue is suspected, while communities can strengthen prevention by regularly cleaning shared areas and eliminating standing water.
