Are part of the potential strategies of the Department of Health to fight dengue.

The vaccine, according to a DOH statement, should cover all four dengue strains (Type 1, 2, 3, 4). One type could give you a life-long protection against the same strain, but not from the other remaining three. This means that a person could get all four types of the dengue virus in his lifetime.

Experts are also studying if genetic modification of the Aedes mosquito, the species responsible for the spread of dengue cases, will render it less active in biting unsuspecting victims.

At the same time, they are not discounting the possibility of “Tawa-tawa”, a local herb, to cure or improve the condition of dengue patient. The boiled concoction is said to increase the platelet count of a person with dengue fever. Low platelet count is one of the danger or deadly signs of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).

While health experts are studying the potential of these strategies, they are again reminding the public about the basic information to prevent dengue:

• Destroy all possible mosquito breeding sites like old tires, softdrink bottles and tin cans.
• Use mosquito nets or protective clothing.
• Fogging may be done only in outbreak areas.

Image source: Google