PANGASINENSES should be alarmed by the Department of Health’s declaration that the province tops with the most number of dengue cases in the region: 2,816 infections out of the 3,000!

Another initial indication was the inclination of the Lingayen local government to declare a state of emergency due to the dramatic surge of dengue cases in the town, from 340 cases compared to only 47 last year over the same period.

The provincial health office already placed a number of towns and cities included in its watch list as both public and private hospitals area reportedly running of bed spaces to accommodate cases In Dagupan City alone, the City Health Office already reported 118 cases, and placed five barangays under its watchlist.

However, lost in the DOH’s report is the rate of incidence of the infection among children, as world studies indicate it is the most vulnerable sector to dengue infection.

Studies show that infants under 1 and children aged between 4-9 years old are most at risk.  Children are most vulnerable to severe complications, including plasma leakage and fatal dengue shock syndrome.

The cases of children are complicated enough because they cannot ever explain what they feel with what symptoms they have started to feel with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes.

The provincial and city/town health offices should not merely be concerned with the general rate of infection. These should help make communities aware of symptoms of infection among infants and children and when to bring them to hospitals, specifically: 1)  If the  child develops a fever of 38º C (100.4º F) or higher or a low temperature of less than 36º C (96.8º F), 2)  Any of the following symptoms: Sleepiness, lack of energy, or irritability, rashes, unusual bleeding (from the gums or nose, or unusual bruising and,  vomiting (3 or more times in one day)

The loss of a playful child because of parents’ lack of diligence and information on acknowledging timely infection of dengue, and subsequent medical intervention can traumatize the whole family. . In many reported cases, parents attempt self-medication at home because of suspicion that fever is all that has to be addressed.

Let’s save our children. Dengue is just as fatal as Covid-19.

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