An 87% spurt in number of diagnosed cases of dengue and simultaneous rise of 33% in mortality rate for the same from January 1 to April 9, 2011, as per the Regional Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit 2, has sent jitters in Philippines.

Moreover, the report revealed that 56% more males are victims of dengue fever. Apparently, 59.6% or 417 diagnosed cases were categorized as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), while 40% or 280 as Dengue Fever (DF) and
0.4% or 3 as Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

As per medical experts, dengue fever is caught by Aedes mosquito and further, can be identified if a person is found to have high fever, constant headache, tearful eyes, joint and muscle pain, feeling nauseate and develop red rashes over three to four days.

With the alarming figures of dengue hitting the turf of the society, the Department of Health (DOH) regional office has coerced its best efforts along with the health authorities to stimulate an awareness campaign on dengue prevention and control encompassing the 4S Laban sa Dengue program which stands for: Search and destroy, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.