THE Department of Health said Wednesday mosquito-borne diseases like the Japanese Encephalitis, which had reached 133 cases as of August 26, could spike.
Health Secretary Pauline Ubial said many areas in the Philippines could see more JE in the coming weeks, adding local government units should step up their reporting of suspected JE cases.
She said her department was now firming up plans to introduce JE vaccination among children next year as soon as data supported it. Right now there was no known benefit of the vaccine when given during the peak season.
“The [department] cautions private practitioners not to offer JE vaccines during this period,” Ubial said.
As with dengue, JE prevention should focus on destroying of mosquito breeding sites.
JE is a viral disease characterized by inflammation of the brain or encephalitis. Most of the people who get infected do not show symptoms five to 15 days after being bitten by a mosquito.
The signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion and, in severe cases, neck stiffness, seizures, paralysis and coma, which may lead to death.
Ubial said severe cases would require prompt hospitalization. Those who recover from severe illness may still show signs of neurologic complications such as paralysis, recurrent seizures or inability to speak.
The virus is passed on to humans through a bite of a day- and night-biting mosquito.
These mosquitoes commonly thrive in rural and agricultural areas, and in the urban areas they surround houses with water storage containers.
“I urge the public to take JE preventive measures following the 4-S against Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases,” Ubial said.
These include getting rid of standing water, maintaining environmental cleanliness and eliminating potential breeding places of mosquitoes.