Introduction

Good morning everyone! Today, we will be discussing Dengue, a disease that becomes very
common during the rainy season.

Definition:
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease (an illness that is spread by mosquitoes).
Etiology (Cause):
It is caused by the dengue virus (DENV). There are four types of this virus: DENV-1, DENV-2,
DENV-3, and DENV-4.
A serotype means a type or variety of the virus.

If a person gets infected by one type, they will have lifetime protection from that same type, but
only short-term protection against the others. A second infection with a different type can
sometimes cause a more severe illness.

Statistics

To understand how serious dengue is, let’s look at the numbers:

As of mid-2025, the Philippines has recorded over 123,000 dengue cases from January to June,
with at least 437 dengue-related deaths. Most of these deaths were among children.

Seven regions showed an increase in cases in the six weeks before June 29: MIMAROPA,
Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and the
National Capital Region.

In Tarlac, from January 1 to February 15, 2024, there were 792 dengue cases with one
death—this is 144% higher than the same period in 2023.

The highest number of cases came from:

Tarlac City (207),
Concepcion (131),
Capas (105),
Bamban (48), and
Paniqui (43).
Most patients were 10–19 years old, and 53% were male.

Etiology of Dengue

Mode of Transmission (How it spreads):

The virus is passed on through the bite of an infected female mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti
and Aedes albopictus.
These mosquitoes usually bite during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon.

Reservoir (Where the virus lives):

Humans are the main reservoir of the dengue virus. This means that when a mosquito bites a
person who already has dengue, the virus multiplies inside the mosquito. Later on, the mosquito
can pass the virus to another person through its bite.
Risk Factors (Things that increase the chance of getting dengue):
Living in tropical and subtropical countries like the Philippines, where it is hot and humid.

Having stagnant water (standing water that does not flow) in containers, tires, pots, or canals
where mosquitoes can breed.

Crowded places and poor sanitation, which increase mosquito-to-human contact.

Signs and Symptoms

Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to talk about the signs and symptoms of dengue
fever. You may also hear it called Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dandy Fever. Dengue can be
mild, moderate, severe, or even fatal if it’s not managed properly. That’s why it’s very important
to know how to recognize it early.

[General Symptoms]

The most common symptom of dengue is a high fever—as high as 40°C or 104°F.

[Biphasic Fever]

“One unique thing about dengue fever is that it is often biphasic. This means the fever comes in
two phases.

●​ In the first phase, the patient has high fever for about 2 to 3 days. This is usually
accompanied by headache, body pain, and rashes. Sometimes the fever is low-grade at
first, then it spikes high, then lowers again.​

●​ In the second phase, which can last another 4 to 6 days, the fever goes down and the
patient may seem better. But this is actually the dangerous stage because complications
like bleeding or shock can appear.
Along with fever, patients often have a severe headache and pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital
pain). They may also feel muscle and joint pains, which is why dengue is sometimes called
‘breakbone fever’.

Other symptoms include bleeding—this can appear as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or rash. The
rashes, or also called Herman’s sign, is characterized by “white islands in a sea of red”. Some
patients may also have nosebleeds or gum bleeding, and if they vomit more than three times in
24 hours, that’s already a warning sign.

[Severity of Dengue Fever]

“Dengue can range from mild to fatal. In mild dengue, patients usually have high fever,
headache, body pain, and sometimes a rash or mild bleeding. But when warning signs appear,
like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or unusual restlessness and drowsiness, it
means the illness is progressing to a more dangerous stage. Severe dengue happens when
there is shock (low bp, tachycardia, cold/clammy skin), severe bleeding, or organ failure, which
can be life-threatening if not treated right away. If left unmanaged, dengue can become fatal due
to massive bleeding or multiple organ failure. That’s why recognizing the stages early is critical
to saving lives.

[Dengue with Warning Signs]

We have to remember that in dengue, the most dangerous stage is not always when the fever is
at its highest. In fact, the real danger often starts when the fever begins to go down. This is
when warning signs can appear, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding,
restlessness, or unusual drowsiness. These are not just simple symptoms—they are the body’s
way of telling us that circulation and organ function may already be in danger. If these warning
signs are missed, dengue can progress to shock, severe bleeding, or even death. That’s why
early recognition and immediate medical attention are very important. Knowing these warning
signs can literally save lives.

Ice Breaker 1

Dengue word guess

Word 1: Mosquito

●​ Clue 1: I’m small but dangerous.

●​ Clue 2: I breed in stagnant water.
●​ Clue 3: I spread dengue with one bite!​

Word 2: Fever

●​ Clue 1: I make you feel weak.

 ●​ Clue 2: I raise your body temperature.
●​ Clue 3: I’m the most common sign of dengue.​

Word 3: Rash

●​ Clue 1: I appear on the skin.

●​ Clue 2: I can look like red spots or dots.
●​ Clue 3: Doctors call me “Herman’s sign.”​

Word 4: Pain

●​ Clue 1: I can be in your head, muscles, or joints.

●​ Clue 2: People say it feels like bones breaking.
●​ Clue 3: I’m a major symptom of dengue.​

Word 5: Vomiting

●​ Clue 1: I happen when your stomach rejects food.

●​ Clue 2: If I happen more than 3 times a day, it’s serious.
●​ Clue 3: I’m a warning sign of dengue.​

Word 6: Hospital

●​ Clue 1: I’m where sick people are treated.

●​ Clue 2: Doctors and nurses work here.
●​ Clue 3: Severe dengue patients need me.​

Word 7: Bleeding

●​ Clue 1: I can happen in the gums or nose.

●​ Clue 2: I may appear as tiny red dots on skin.
●​ Clue 3: I’m a sign of severe dengue.​

Word 8: Water

●​ Clue 1: I’m essential for life.

●​ Clue 2: But if I’m stagnant, mosquitoes love me.
●​ Clue 3: Keeping me clean prevents dengue.
Prevention

“Good day everyone! Today, I will discuss about Dengue Prevention. Alam natin na dengue is a
serious disease caused by mosquitoes, especially the : 'Aedes aegypti'. Ito yung lamok na may
guhit na puti sa katawan at sa paa. Dengue can lead to high fever, rashes, and even serious
complications. Kaya napakahalaga na alam natin kung paano ito maiiwasan.

Ngayon, let’s talk about the simple steps para makaiwas sa dengue.

👉Eliminate stagnant water and cover containers

“Unang-una, we need to eliminate stagnant water. Ano ba yung stagnant water? Ito yung tubig
na naiipon at hindi gumagalaw, tulad sa lumang gulong, lata, bote, o kahit maliit na platito na
naiwan sa labas. Diyan nangingitlog ang lamok. Kapag may mga container na kailangan
talagang lagyan ng tubig, always remember to cover them. Covering containers prevents
mosquitoes from entering and laying eggs.”

👉 Keep roof gutter clear

“Pangalawa, keep roof gutters clear. Kapag barado ang alulod, naiipon ang tubig at nagiging
perfect breeding ground ng mosquitoes. Remember, kahit kaunting tubig lang, pwedeng
pamugaran ng lamok. That’s why cleaning gutters is very important.”

👉 Keep home clean

“Pangatlo, keep the home clean. Hindi lang basta kalat ang dapat alisin, kundi pati mga lugar na
pwedeng pag-ipunan ng tubig—like cans, bottles, or coconut shells. A clean environment
means less chance for mosquitoes to breed.”

👉 Use mosquito repellents

“Pang-apat, gumamit ng mosquito repellents. These are lotions or sprays that help protect your
skin from mosquito bites. Lalo na kung lalabas ng bahay, repellents are very useful. Remember:
prevention starts with protection.”

👉 Wear protective clothes

“Panglima, wear protective clothes. Ano ibig sabihin nito? Magsuot ng long sleeves, pantalon, o
kahit medyas para mas konti ang skin na exposed. Less exposure means less chance to get
bitten by mosquitoes.”

👉 Seek early consultation

“At syempre, kung may lagnat na tumagal ng dalawang araw, wag nang maghintay. Seek early
consultation. Go to the doctor or health center right away. Early check-up can help prevent
dengue from getting worse.”
Management

Okay class, so once again I am student nurse ella and I will be discussing about the management
of dengue. Now, who here has already had dengue?

(let the student answer)

Good. Dengue is serious, and this type of case can be managed if we know what to do.

First, the body needs rest. Why do you think rest is important?

(let the student answer)

Right! In addition to that our body is fighting the virus so we needs enough energy.

Second, fluids are very important. When you have fever or vomiting, your body loses water fast.
Drinking plenty of water, juice, or even oral rehydration solutions can prevent dehydration.

Third, we use paracetamol for fever or pain but it must be consult first a doctor. But take
note—never use aspirin or ibuprofen. Because they can make bleeding worse, which is already a
risk in dengue.

Now, watch for warning signs: strong stomach pain, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, or feeling
very weak. If these happen, what should we do?

[students: go to the hospital]

Exactly!

In the hospital, doctors might give IV fluids or even blood transfusions if bleeding is bad. But
here’s the truth—there’s no exact cure for dengue, only supportive care until the body recovers.

That’s why prevention is the best defense—avoiding mosquito bites and destroying their
breeding sites. Because let’s face it, it’s better not to get dengue at all than to deal with it later.

So class, to sum up the management of dengue are: rest, rehydrate, report warning signs, and
prevention.

Ice Breaker 3 dagdagan pa siguro ito

Before we end, let’s check what we learned with a quick game!

1.​ What mosquito spreads dengue? Aedes aegypti
2.​ When does it usually bite? Morning and late afternoon
3.​ What medicine should NOT be taken when you have dengue? (Aspirin or Ibuprofen)
 4.​ Give 1 of the 4 dengue warning signs? (Low grade fever, abdominal pain, persistent
vomiting, and bleeding)
5.​ Why is it important to eliminate stagnant water? (Because it is where mosquitoes lay
their eggs and breed)

Conclusion

“To wrap up, dengue is a serious disease, but it’s one we can prevent. By knowing the signs and
symptoms, practicing the 4S strategy, and taking simple steps like eliminating stagnant water
and protecting ourselves from mosquito bites, we can greatly reduce the risk.

As STEM students, you know the importance of applying knowledge in real life. Prevention is
not complicated—it’s about being consistent and responsible in our actions. If each of us does
our part, we not only protect ourselves but also our families and communities.

So let’s stay informed, stay prepared, and take dengue prevention seriously—because small
actions can make a big difference.”