NAGA COLLEGE FOUNDATION

College of Health Sciences

City of Naga, Philippines

Health Statistics and Epidemiologic Data on Dengue in the Philippines

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes

aegypti. It causes flu-like symptoms, including high fever, joint pain, and rashes, and can
sometimes develop into severe dengue, which is life-threatening. It is most common in
tropical and subtropical regions and typically spikes during rainy seasons when mosquito
breeding increases. While there is no specific treatment, early detection and supportive
care can prevent complications. Vaccines are available but are recommended primarily
for those with previous dengue infections. According to WHO as of April 30, 2024, over
7.6 million dengue cases have been reported globally, with 3.4 million confirmed cases,
over 16,000 severe cases, and more than 3,000 deaths. This highlights the critical need
for enhanced control measures, particularly in countries with high cases.

In the Philippines, dengue is more likely to spread during the rainy season,
usually from May to November. This is because heavy rain creates puddles and stagnant
water, which are perfect for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. The warm and humid weather
during this time also helps mosquitoes grow and multiply quickly. With more mosquitoes
around, the risk of getting dengue increases. This disease can lead to severe dengue,
leading to complications and death if not managed properly. According to (DOH) as of
June 29, 2024, dengue cases in the Philippines have risen by 30%, with 90,119 cases
and 233 deaths reported. This is 19% higher than the same period in 2023. Cases
spiked in seven regions, including MIMAROPA and Metro Manila.

Over the past three years, dengue cases in the Philippines have shown a troubling
upward trend, rising from 40,000 cases in 2021 to over 90,000 in 2024.There are many
factors that affect the increasing dengue cases such as rapid urbanization which can
lead to poor sanitation, because of this more places for mosquitoes to breed. As cities
grow and more people move in, many areas don’t have good waste management or
drainage systems, allowing water to collect and create mosquito habitats. Also, some
people don’t know how to prevent them, and resources for pest control are limited. This
means that breeding sites are not being cleaned up, so mosquito populations keep
growing. Thus, dengue outbreaks happen in cycles. Over time, some people develop
immunity to dengue, but when this immunity decreases, communities can be more
vulnerable to new outbreaks. The need for effective mosquito control measures,
community education, and improved sanitation practices is more urgent than ever to
combat this public health challenge.

In the regions with lack of resources, hospitals can quickly become

overwhelmed with the number of cases or patients, especially during peak transmission
periods. Severe cases, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever, require to be addressed
immediately. This lack of resources has not only affected the patients but also the
healthcare system in managing that illness. Surveillance and control are also
components of managing dengue. Mosquito control measures, such as fogging,
insecticide spraying and eliminating breeding sites such as tires, cans, and open
buckets, as well drainage is essential to reduce transmission. Public health agencies
must also invest in surveillance systems to track mosquito populations and detect
outbreaks early. In large populated areas or places with poor sanitation, maintaining
these efforts can be especially challenging. Climate change can also contribute to rising
temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns have expanded the range of Aedes
aegypti mosquitoes, allowing the disease to spread to previously unaffected areas.
Community involvement plays an important role in dengue prevention. Since mosquitoes
breed in stagnant water found around homes, public health campaigns must focus on
educating communities about the importance of eliminating breeding sites. Active
participation from community members is key to reducing the mosquito population and
controlling outbreaks.

Tracking dengue cases through data is important for improving healthcare. It helps
identify where the most cases are, so health workers can focus their efforts in those
areas. This means better planning for hospitals, medicine, and medical teams. It also
supports awareness campaigns to teach people how to prevent dengue by avoiding
mosquito bites. Additionally, knowing when and where dengue outbreaks happen helps
the government make plans and policies to reduce the risk and improve treatment,
leading to better overall health outcomes.

References:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1120319/philippines-number-dengue-cases/?fbclid=IwY2xjaw
FyD5NleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWtSstS6ggsMdaB7HYwPjG3YRvti-bD2En8N5IWYd7BCWup7XgrXDV5
Y-Q_aem_YUqDgVEH8IpwZgZ1bWXqSg
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue?fbclid=IwY2xjaw
FyD8dleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdzWSuJBR5BjKTwB1W2kOIPi-y8yeEHJYK8_56Sqvz28fOt-KDuJgEpAR
Q_aem_9RJp9Ye10WAqSi03bSMDYA

https://caro.doh.gov.ph/%F0%9D%90%83%F0%9D%90%84%F0%9D%90%8D%F0%9D%90
%86%F0%9D%90%94%F0%9D%90%84-%F0%9D%90%91%F0%9D%90%88%F0%9D%90
%92%F0%9D%90%88%F0%9D%90%8D%F0%9D%90%86-%F0%9D%90%96%F0%9D%90
%88%F0%9D%90%93%F0%9D%90%87/

https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON518?fbclid=IwY2xjawFy
EJJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRIf7OpJ64XPXvl6VFb-hG0l1kIAnGUsx89uOXUOuNbsRpL2Lq0ZlZ69
LA_aem_BFhSGLCOrWWMqf5zkphz6Q

Project Title:

Plastic for Plants: Turning Recycled Plastic Waste into Greener, Dengue-Free
Communities

Background and Rationale:

The Philippines faces two interlinked challenges: the rising threat of dengue and
widespread plastic waste accumulation. Improperly disposed plastic waste, which
often collects rainwater, provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, exacerbating
the dengue problem. This project proposes a community-based solution to
address both issues by encouraging plastic recycling and converting the waste
into useful materials, such as eco-bricks, planters, and garden beds. These
repurposed materials will be used to create urban gardens, which will help
mitigate mosquito breeding and improve local environments.

Objectives:

1. Reduce mosquito breeding sites by 40% within one year through plastic waste
collection and recycling.

2. Establish urban gardens using recycled plastic materials in at least 20

communities within one year.

3. Increase public awareness of the link between proper waste management and
dengue prevention through community engagement and education.

Methodology:

1. Plastic Collection Drives:

Organize monthly collection events in barangays, schools, and local businesses to

gather plastic waste, such as bottles and wrappers.

Set up collection stations for community members to dispose of plastic waste

properly.

Partner with recycling facilities to convert plastic waste into eco-bricks and
gardening materials.

2. Urban Garden Development:

Utilize recycled plastic to construct garden beds, vertical gardens, and planters in
community spaces like barangay halls and schools.

Train volunteers in sustainable gardening and mosquito control methods,

emphasizing the role of green spaces in reducing mosquito habitats.

3. Educational Campaign:
Launch a public awareness campaign on waste management and its role in
dengue prevention through radio, social media, and community forums.

Engage schools by incorporating waste recycling and urban gardening into their
curricula, encouraging students to participate.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

Track the quantity of plastic waste collected and repurposed into urban
gardening materials.

Measure changes in dengue incidence in areas participating in the project.

Conduct surveys to assess community knowledge of proper waste disposal and

dengue prevention.

Target Population:

The project targets cities and provinces across the Philippines with high plastic
waste accumulation and frequent dengue outbreaks, particularly MIMAROPA and
Metro Manila. It aims to involve households, schools, and local government units
in participatory efforts.

Expected Outcomes:

A 40% reduction in mosquito breeding sites through the elimination of plastic

waste.

Increased awareness and active participation in waste management and dengue

prevention among community members.

Greener, healthier public spaces that enhance community well-being and

environmental sustainability.

Budget and Resources:

Total Budget: PHP 1,200,000

Plastic collection stations: PHP 300,000

Recycling and eco-brick production: PHP 350,000

Urban garden development: PHP 300,000

Educational campaign: PHP 250,000

Resources Needed:

Plastic collection bins

Recycling facility partnerships

Gardening tools and seeds

Educational materials (flyers, posters, videos)

Members:

Jenny A. Orcine

Janille F. Payadi

Ashley Shane Parola