MANILA, Philippines - Over 54,000 dengue cases have been officially reported in Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas and Central Mindanao from January to August 14, according to the Department of Health (DOH). 

A total of 429 people, mostly children, have died from the disease. But apart from the cost to life, health officials admit, the disease is also putting a strain on the resources of both the government and the affected families.

"A mild case of dengue will cost us a minimum of P5,000. If we presume 54,000 cases is just mild dengue, that's easily P250 million," says Dr. Eric Tayag, head of the DOH-National Epidemiology Center, on ANC Dateline Philippines Sunday.

Tayag says that while P5,000 is the minimum cost for treatment, some severe cases run up to P100,000. He also notes the loss in wages as parents have to stay home to take care of their children who contract the virus.

Keeping the guard up
Tayag says they expect a slight drop in dengue cases in the coming weeks, but he also cautions the public to remain vigilant against the disease.

"We don't want to raise our people's hope because we want to make sure we continue our fight against dengue because it occurs all year round. We want to warn that the National Capital Region, in the last 2 weeks, is getting increasing number of dengue cases so we have to watch out for an upsurge in the number of cases here in Metro Manila," he says.

The alarm comes after the health department detected 4 different dengue strains nationwide compared to a single strain in previous years.

Initial home treatment
Tayag says the presence of additional dengue strains raises the chance for more infections.

In anticipation of the possible surge of dengue cases in hospitals, Tayag says they are shifting their efforts to helping ease the load by informing the public on ways to monitor the virus and initially deal with it from the home.

"For example, in Metro Manila, we have now shifted our fight against dengue to taking care of patients with dengue, because we have a situation wherein hospitals may be swamped with cases, and there will be no beds for more cases if that happens," he says.

Given the unpredictability of the dengue virus, Tayag says they have used the acronym "dengue" to easily remember steps to monitor the disease.

D- daily monitoring of patient's status

E- encouraging intake of oral fluids

N- note for any warnings or signals (persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, restlessness, irritability, platelet count, bloated abdomen)

G- give paracetamol to bring down fever (avoid aspirin)

U- use mosquitoe screens, insect sprays, repellant

E- early consultation is advised if you have doubts

"We encourage mothers, those taking care of patients to take a chance at home treatment. You don't have to be helpless. You don't have to be in the hospital, you can do something at home," Tayag says.