Erratic weather patterns have made certain illnesses like dengue prevalent all year round. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Asia bears the brunt of the global dengue burden, accounting for 70% of cases.

The Philippines recorded a 38% increase in new cases toward the end of October 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. So, understanding how to prevent dengue becomes crucial to safeguarding your family.

Dengue is an infection that occurs when a virus-carrying mosquito of the Aedes species bites you. These mosquitoes also spread diseases such as Zika and Chikungunya, commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The most effective way to prevent dengue is to eliminate potential breeding grounds and avoid mosquito bites.

Mosquitos lay their eggs in water and wet environments. So, dengue protection starts by regularly checking areas that can become their habitats.

• Note the containers that collect stagnant water at your house. These can be plant pots, pet bowls, old ice cream tubs, trays of dish drying racks, or automobile tires.
  
  
• Empty and clean containers that hold standing water at least once a week, the Mayo Clinic recommends. Make sure to cover them between cleanings.
  
  
• Practice the "4 o'clock habit," the Philippine Department of Health suggests. This involves checking stagnant water resources in your home daily at 4 p.m., especially during rainy season.
  
  
• Make sure to dispose of waste properly and avoid leaving junk inside and outside the home that can collect water.
  
  
• If your area is prone to mosquitoes, consider using yellow outdoor lights. These lights attract fewer mosquitoes, discouraging them from staying. You can also invest in window and door screens to deter bugs.

You and your family can take the following steps to avoid mosquitoes at bay, especially when you leave the house.

• Wear protective clothing when gardening, heading to the park, or places with ponds or streams. Choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially in light colors, hats, socks, and closed shoes.
  
  
• Keep an insect repellent handy, especially during monsoon season. Mayo Clinic advises getting an insect repellent with at least 10% DEET, an ingredient that makes it hard for the mosquitos to smell you. Apply DEET-based repellent to exposed skin and avoid areas near the eyes and mouth.
  
  
• Use a kulambo, an effective mosquito net, instead of mosquito coils while sleeping to avoid causing fire accidents.  
  
  
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk—near when the sun sets but has yet to be dark. Peak mosquito hours also typically include dawn.
  
  
• Stay updated with the latest health bulletins at your community, workplace, and children's school.
  
  
• Alert your barangay officials or property managers if you spot neglected rain gutters or cluttered sidewalks that may attract mosquitoes.
  
  
• You and your family may want to initiate dengue prevention campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of collective efforts against dengue transmission.

Dengue can occur multiple times, and you may have the virus without experiencing any symptoms. But fever is one of the early indicators. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says dengue fever symptoms may include:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Rash
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle, joint, or bone pain

Treating mild dengue fever involves managing the symptoms with pain medication. But when the infection becomes severe, it can cause significant bleeding, sudden drops in blood pressure (leading to shock), and even death. Promptly seek medical attention if you or a family member experiences a 40℃ fever.

Apart from ensuring your family and other household members know how to prevent dengue, you can make these additional proactive health choices.

If you're a parent, the AIA Critical Protect 100 covers your child against dengue hemorrhagic fever until they are 22. The plan also provides financial protection against 100 other critical illnesses, starting from age 0 to 100.

An HMO can typically cover ER and in-patient expenses if you need to get admitted to a hospital. However, extra medical coverage can be beneficial if you require specialized care due to complications.

AIA Med-Assist can cover up to 90% of in-patient expenses of up to ₱4,000,000* maximum yearly. It also provides a daily hospitalization income of up to ₱3,000* for every day you're confined for a maximum of 365 days.

Learning how to prevent dengue goes beyond personal protection—you also contribute to the entire community's well-being. Keeping your surroundings clean, working with your community, and following healthy habits will help keep everyone around you safe and healthy.

*Payment of benefits is subject to the terms, conditions, definitions, exclusions, and limitations found in the policy contract.