Despite a record global dengue spike of 5 million cases and over 5,000 deaths last year, the Department of Health reported a decline in the number of dengue cases and deaths in the Philippines than the previous year. This can be attributed to the driest rainy season in recent history, with studies confirming the link between low rainfall and decreased mosquito-borne diseases.
However, despite the decline in the number of cases for the entire year, the dengue incidence during the first quarter of 2023 has reached alarming heights, accounting for a 94 percent increase from the volume logged during the same period in 2022. The surge is particularly concerning as the first quarter is typically characterized by dry weather, which traditionally sees lower dengue cases compared to the peak of the rainy season.
This year, with the onset of increased rainfall creating favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes, the risk of dengue transmission also escalates.
In response to the alarming dengue numbers last year, the national government and various local government units took action to combat the dengue outbreak.
In April 2023, the Department of Health (DOH) called on citizens to be vigilant and adhere to the government’s 5S program: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection measures, seek early consultation, support fogging and spraying in hot spot areas, and sustain hydration.
Despite the implementation of the 5S strategy, which has contributed to a reduction in overall dengue cases and fatalities, there is still significant room for improvement. While the 5S strategy focuses on eliminating mosquito breeding sites, it may not directly address the prevention and treatment of the disease itself. This highlights the need for comprehensive measures that encompass vector control, effective diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness campaigns.
It is crucial to invest in research and development for new prevention methods, such as vaccines, and to strengthen healthcare systems to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment for dengue cases.
A recent second-generation dengue vaccine that has been approved for use in more than 30 countries but yet to be introduced in the Philippines has demonstrated higher efficacy in preventing dengue. The introduction of this second-generation vaccine could potentially be a significant step forward in the fight against dengue in the Philippines.
Dr. Lulu Bravo, president of the Immunization Partners in Asia Pacific (IPAP) and executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, said the introduction of the second-generation dengue vaccine has sparked renewed positive discussions on dengue prevention.
“While all preventative measures are essential, they do have limitations. Recent research has revealed that mosquitoes in several Asian countries have undergone mutations that makes them impervious to chemicals commonly used to eradicate them. Other challenges in the region include the eradication of breeding sites in areas with unreliable water supply, as residents rely on open water containers to store water,” Bravo said in a recent interview with BioPharmaAPAC.
“It is therefore crucial to adopt a holistic approach to that includes tailored communication strategies, vector management, and vaccination. Recently in the Philippines, many doctors, including pediatricians, have emphasized on the role of vaccines alongside other dengue management measures such as vector control and diagnosis, to achieve zero mortality by 2030,” she added.