Every June, the Philippines observes Dengue Awareness Month to educate and encourage citizens to take active steps in preventing this life-threatening disease. As the rainy season rolls in, dengue cases tend to rise due to the increased presence of stagnant water—the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

This blog is your family’s guide to understanding dengue, recognizing its early signs, and—most importantly—taking practical steps to prevent it in your home and community.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito. It usually causes flu-like symptoms, but severe cases can lead to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)—both of which can be fatal if untreated.

Common Symptoms:

• Sudden high fever (up to 40°C)

• Severe headache and pain behind the eyes

• Muscle and joint pain (also called “breakbone fever”)

• Skin rashes

• Nausea and vomiting

• Bleeding (from nose or gums, or easy bruising)

Why is Dengue Dangerous During the Rainy Season?

The rainy season creates the ideal condition for mosquitoes to thrive. Any container that collects water—old tires, clogged gutters, flower pots, empty bottles—can become a breeding site for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), thousands of dengue cases are recorded yearly, with surges commonly happening from June to August.

How to Protect Your Family from Dengue

1. Practice the 4S Strategy from DOH

The Department of Health promotes the 4S strategy to fight dengue:

S1: Search and Destroy Breeding Places

• Check your surroundings every day for standing water.

• Clean gutters and drains.

• Empty and scrub water containers weekly.

• Throw away unused bottles, cans, tires, or anything that holds water.

S2: Self-Protection Measures

• Wear long-sleeved clothing, especially for children.

• Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET or citronella.

• Use mosquito nets or screens at home.

• Keep doors and windows closed or screened.

S3: Seek Early Consultation

• If you or a family member has a high fever for more than 2 days, consult a doctor immediately.

• Early detection can prevent complications and hospitalization.

S4: Support Fogging or Spraying Operations

• Join community clean-ups.

• Cooperate with local government when they conduct fogging in your area.

2. Keep Your Home Mosquito-Free

Inside your home:

• Use mosquito traps or UV light zappers.

• Place citronella or eucalyptus oil diffusers in common areas.

• Regularly check flower vases, pet bowls, and water dispensers.

Outside your home:

• Trim tall grasses and weeds.

• Check outdoor buckets, pots, and plant trays.

• Cover water drums and barrels.

3. Make It a Family Routine

Children and teens can also help prevent dengue! Make it a fun family habit:

• Assign cleaning tasks like checking water containers or watering plants (without excess water pooling).

• Turn weekend clean-ups into games or competitions.

• Teach them about the mosquito life cycle and why prevention matters.

Community Efforts Matter

Protecting your household is essential, but dengue prevention is even more effective when the whole community is involved. Encourage neighbors to clean their areas, and participate in barangay-led clean-up drives. Even if you keep your space clean, mosquitoes can breed next door.

If you’re renting or managing a rental home:

• Encourage tenants to keep surroundings clean.

• Provide leaflets or posters in common areas.

• Ensure maintenance teams do routine checks.

What to Do If a Family Member Gets Dengue

If you suspect dengue, go to the nearest clinic or hospital. Don’t self-medicate. Instead:

• Keep the person hydrated with water, juice, or oral rehydration solutions.

• Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen; these can worsen bleeding.

• Monitor for warning signs like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or bleeding.

Remember, early detection saves lives.

Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions about Dengue

✅ Myth: Dengue mosquitoes only bite at night.
Truth: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes bite during the day—especially early morning and late afternoon.

✅ Myth: If I don’t have standing water, I’m safe.
Truth: Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap of water. Thorough checking is still needed.

✅ Myth: Healthy people don’t get dengue.
Truth: Dengue does not discriminate. Anyone can get it regardless of age or health status.

Final Thoughts: Prevention is Better Than Cure

Dengue is preventable. By staying vigilant, taking proactive measures, and working as a family and community, we can significantly reduce the risk.

This Dengue Awareness Month, let’s all commit to making our homes mosquito-free zones. Clean today, protect tomorrow.