MANILA, Philippines—Amid the measles outbreaks in different regions in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported that number of dengue cases nationwide have spiked to 36,664.

Citing data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, the Health department said dengue cases in the first two months of the year was 14,703 cases higher compared to the 21,961 dengue cases recorded during the same period in 2018.

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As dengue figures surge, the DOH asked the public to take an active participation in countering the mosquito-borne disease, through the 4-S strategy.

The 4S strategy consists of: search and destroy breeding places, seek early consultation, self-protection measures, and saying yes to fogging in times of impending outbreak.

“The first step to prevent dengue is within our homes, it is important to remove any space or container than can hold unnecessary stagnant water which may become breeding sites of mosquitoes,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

Symptoms of dengue include sudden onset of fever of 2 to 7 days, plus two of the following: headache, body weakness, joint and muscle pains, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes.

“For the families of dengue patients, if any of these warning signs occur when the fever comes back, it is necessary to give the patient the right amount of oral fluids, especially Oral Rehydration Solution before immediately referring to the nearest hospital for confinement so that proper clinical management can be provided and serious complications can be avoided,” Duque said. /muf

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