Newsfeed display by CaRP About 15,000 cases of dengue infections were recorded in the Philippines from January to the second week of September this year, with 167 resulting in death. This was revealed recently by Department of Health (DoH) National Epidemiology Center, during the launch of the Team Iwas Dengue campaign. Dengue is a flu-like viral disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. If not addressed instantly, a complication of the disease, known as the dengue hemorrhagic fever, may occur. The disease occurs in most tropical areas of the world. The mosquitoes that transmit dengue usually breed in places where many people live. Eggs are often laid in stagnant waters found in discarded tires, flower pots, old oil drums, and neglected water storage containers. Most dengue mosquitoes bite during the day, although new studies show that the insects are also capable of biting at night.

The best way to prevent dengue is by eliminating mosquito breeding sites in areas where dengue might occur. This can be done by discarding items that can collect rain or run-off water, especially old tires. Regularly change the water in regularly used outdoor containers such as pet water containers.