According to the Department of Health (DOH) National Epidemiology Center, there have been 54,659 recorded dengue cases nationwide from January 1 to August 14, 2010. This is 74.9% higher compared to last year’s 31,248 for the same period.

This report serves as a warning. Dengue fever is a viral disease that spreads via mosquito bites. Symptoms include high fever, headache, rashes and joint pains. At worst, it may lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which may be fatal especially among children. So far, no vaccines have been developed for dengue immunity, and because it is a viral infection, it has no cure. Health officials agree that prevention is the best way to combat dengue.

Here’s how:

1. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts to prevent mosquito bites.
   

2. Stagnant water is breeding ground for mosquitoes. Cover all water containers. Clean the places where rainwater may gather, such as the rain gutter or flower pots.
   

3. Make sure your windows and doors are screened.
   

4. Use insect-repellant lotion.
   

5. Use a mosquito net.