In observance of the Dengue Awareness Month, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, through its Communication and Engagement Office (CEO), broadcasted the fourth episode of RITM Live: Ask the Expert series on the topic of dengue on June 09, 2022.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness which could potentially lead to severe dengue and other life-threatening complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50-100 million dengue infections occur annually in over 100 endemic countries–the Philippines included. This means that our entire population is constantly at risk of acquiring dengue infection throughout the year.
In this context, Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Arthur Dessi E. Roman provided a comprehensive discussion of the prevention measures, symptoms, complications, and the treatment for dengue in this episode of RITM Live.
“Tamang pagkain, ehersisyo at malusog na pamumuhay kasama ng pag-iwas sa kagat ng lamok ang mahalagang sandata natin upang maiwasan ang dengue,” says Dr. Roman, emphasizing that prevention is still better than cure.
Dr. Roman also highlighted the role of the community in ensuring that dengue outbreaks are prevented by reporting dengue incidence to the local government unit particularly the city or municipal health office. Disease reporting will enable health authorities to facilitate necessary outbreak prevention interventions.
This episode is also in partnership with the Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA) Group, a scientific working group dedicated to dengue control and vaccine advocacy in Asia.
RITM Live: Ask the Expert series aims to popularize the Science behind the work that we do at the Institute and make our medical and technical experts accessible via Facebook Live broadcast.
Watch the episode here: RITM Live Episode 4
by Anel Azel Dimaano
By Reina Manongsong, Communication and Engagement Office