Tan, Patrick Ray C.

BSN 2-A
NCM104j - Community Health Nursing
August 23, 2022

I. Health Issue/Topic: Dengue

As the article of Ombay (2022) state:

“The Philippines recorded 64,797 dengue cases from January 1 to June 25, 2022, a 90% increase
compared to the cases reported during the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) said
Monday. Based on DOH’s National Dengue Data for the week, there were only 34,074 dengue cases
recorded from January 1 to June 25, 2021.The DOH said 274 people have died in the country this year
due to dengue, posing a 0.4% case fatality rate.

Of these 274 deaths, 36 occurred in January, 32 in February, 39 in March, 46 in April, 63 in

May, and 58 in June. The DOH noted there were 21,115 dengue cases recorded from May 29 to June 25,
2022 alone. Of this number, 18% were logged in Central Luzon at 3,902. This was followed by Central
Visayas with 2,316 cases (11%), and the National Capital Region with 1,997 cases (9%). Cumulatively,
most of the dengue cases or 15% were still reported in Central Luzon with 9,426 cases. It is followed by
Central Visayas with 7,741 (12%) and Zamboanga Peninsula with 5,684 cases (9%).

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday said the increase of dengue cases in the
country is already alarming as some individuals are now being admitted in hospitals. The DOH earlier
reminded the public to practice the 4S behaviors for the fight against dengue: Search and destroy
breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging or spraying in
hotspot areas, especially now during the rainy season.”

Reaction/Opinion

I have known prior that Dengue fever is endemic to the country, and the risk of transmission that
leads to the rising case is highest during and immediately following the rainy season, which typically
occurs May-November hence why these months are called "the dengue season". Through my research, I
found out that the nationwide incidence of this virus – which causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to
potentially fatal complications in some cases – has been fluctuating these past years. The number of
cases is the result of several factors such as urbanization (the reason why dengue is prominent in
squatters' areas and climate instability, with increased rainfall enabling greater mosquito transmission.
 As this article mainly states the figures of cases and deaths of dengue in recent months, my
general reaction to this article is one of concern. While it can be debated whether 2022 is the year with
higher cases of dengue than the rest, no one can deny that whether the cases are higher, the multiple
problems that our country is facing right now makes the impact of the dengue much more complicated
than it was. Chief among these is the growing inflation brought upon by the Russian invasion, the
pandemic albeit minimalized, and how students are more vulnerable to external influences now that
face-to-face classes are back. Hence my general reaction to this grim news is a concern for my fellow
Filipinos, especially those who have financial problems.

Inflation led to commodities' prices being higher to a new level, with onion per kilo worth 500 in
Manila, it really made me anxious for the families there that are unable to cope with inflation. In relation
to our lesson, this inflation can negatively affect the socio-economic and environmental aspects that
influence the health of a person. With families having a hard time buying basic commodities, no doubt
they will face trouble in admitting their child to hospitals if their symptoms get worse or buying
medicines, that's not to mention how these things are not exempted from the price hike due to the
inflation. While others can say public hospitals can relieve this, there is still the problem of
overcrowding in these hospitals or unavailability of family members due to their respective harsh job
schedules. My heart cries out about this issue because the pandemic has already taken its toll on our
society, especially those in poverty. Loved ones, especially the elderly, have died from the virus and just
as vaccines have rolled out, another virus is now taking its hold which targets the young sector of
society. To add fuel to the fire, inflation and the uncertainty of the new normal classes make everything
harder for everyone.

This issue has always been a plague to the country. I also have a personal take on this issue as I
have been a victim of dengue which lead me to confinement in the hospital when I was a child and my
childhood friend died due to dengue just five years ago. Even if others just say it's a mosquito bite, I can
personally attest that this issue must be taken seriously, especially how the young are vulnerable to
dying of dengue. With cases amounting to thousands upon thousands and deaths being in hundreds, I
fervently pray for those victims as well as their families to overcome dengue and also be responsible
about doing their part in combatting dengue such as the 4S campaign to prevent dengue.. I also pray for
the government and the health care system of the country to do their best to serve their constituents,
especially the far-flung areas and squatters.
 Reference:

Ombay, G. (2022, July 11). DOH: Philippines’ dengue cases up 90% this year at 64,797.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/837732/doh-philippines-dengue-cases-up-90-this-
year-at-64-797/