Dengue is a largely seasonal disease that is caused by four distinct virus serotypes transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically the aedes aegypti, which severely affects a great number of people every year, including children and senior citizens, who require hospitalization.
Severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, is a potentially deadly complication due to plasma leakage, fluid accumulation, respiratory distress, severe bleeding, or organ impairment. For these cases, timely access to appropriate healthcare is critical to reduce the risk of mortality.
There is no current cure for dengue, but the disease can be prevented through effective vector control, cleanliness and proper sanitation, and vaccination.
However, unlike in Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, where dengue is now a vaccine preventable disease, the lack of a Food and Drug Administration approved vaccine in the Philippines means we have one less potent option in our strategy and efforts to prevent dengue.
This year, the Philippines is bound to face a rise in dengue cases as it braces for the La Nina weather phenomenon. Data from the Department of Health show a concerning increase in reported cases compared to the previous year, with 59,267 cases from January 1 to May 4, surpassing the 45,722 cases for the same period in 2023.
Despite being constantly reminded of the traditional ways of preventing dengue, the disease continues to affect thousands, especially during the rainy season. How long will our government sit on making a dengue vaccine available, despite it being part of other countries’ comprehensive strategies against dengue?
Filipinos should be more prepared to accept a dengue vaccine by now, compared to previous years when they were easily distracted and frightened by a sensationalized but largely unscientific campaign against vaccines, particularly something akin to the demonized Dengvaxia? If the science says and quantitatively proves that a vaccine against dengue is effective, then it is our leaders’ responsibility to choose the path that benefits more Filipinos, especially when facing a perennial threat that has already been rendered preventable in other countries.
If we are serious about stopping dengue, we should make use of all the available tools at our disposal.*
