THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) warned the public of dengue fever risk and gave advice on how it can be prevented as the country observes Dengue Awareness Month in June.

The PRC Health Services explained that dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes a severe flu-like illness. It can progress into two life-threatening conditions: dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The virus that causes dengue is passed on to humans from animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The symptoms are sudden onset of high fever, which may last from 2 to 7 days; joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nose bleeding when fever starts to subside; abdominal pain; vomiting of coffee-colored matter; dark-colored stools; and difficulty of breathing.

PRC reminds the public of the 4 Ss to prevent dengue:

Search and Destroy: Cover water drums and pails; Replace water in flower vases once a week; Clean gutters of leaves and debris; Collect and dispose of all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles, and other items that can collect and hold water.

Self-Protection Measures: Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt; Use mosquito repellent every day.

Seek Early Consultation: Consult the doctors immediately if fever persists after 2 days and rashes appear.

Say Yes to Fogging when there is an impending outbreak or a hotspot.

The PRC Health Services gives the following advice: If medicine for fever will be given, do not give aspirin. Ensure a person suspected of having dengue is well hydrated. If fever or symptoms persist for 2 or more days, bring the patient to the nearest hospital.

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