Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever: an acute infectious viral disease, characterized by fever during the initial phase and other symptoms like headache, pain in the eye, joint pain, muscle pain, accompanied by overt or occult signs of bleeding

Vector: Aedes Aegypti, a day-biting mosquito which lays eggs in clear water container, such as flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires, etc. The adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.

What are the symptoms of Dengue H-Fever?

1. Sudden onset of high fever which may last 2 to 9 days
2. Joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes
3. Weakness
4. Skin rashes - maculopapular rash or red tiny spots on the skin called petechiae
5. Nosebleeding when fever starts to subside
6. Vomiting of coffee-colored matter
7. Dark colored stools

How to Prevent Dengue H-Fever

• The community should organize themselves to remove all possible breeding places of mosquitoes inside and outside of houses such as tin cans, rubber tires, bottles or drain accumulated water from trees and plants
• Cover water storage containers to prevent breeding of mosquitoes
• Clean house gutters to prevent stagnation of rain water
• Isolate patients suffering from Dengue H-Fever for at least 5 days
• Report to the nearest health center any suspected case of Dengue H-Fever in the neighborhood.

Source: DOH

Health Advice on Prevention of Avian Influenza for the General Public

Avian influenza (H5N1) is a type of influenza A that mainly infects birds but occasionally affects humans. Avian influenza can be transmitted from birds to people. although transmission between humans, up to this moment, is very inefficient. The initial symptoms of avian flu are similar to those of other influenza viruses, including fever, generalized muscle pain, cough and sore throat. However, it is more likely to result in high fever, chest infection, respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, and death.

Health Advice for the general public:

• Avoid direct contact with birds and poultry
• Avoid touching poultry, birds or their droppings, because they may carry the avian influenza virus.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water immediately if you have been in contact with poultry, birds or their droppings.
• Maintain good personal hygiene
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly.
• Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Dispose sputum or secretions wrapped in tissue paper into rubbish bins with lids. Wash hands with liquid soap and water afterwards.
• Build up good body resistance and have a healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, reducing stress and no smoking.
• Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating .
• Maintain good environmental hygiene
• Maintain good indoor ventilation.
• Avoid crowded places with poor ventilation if you are feeling unwell.

If you have symptoms of respiratory infection, wear a mask and consult a doctor promptly.